Michigan Wolverines vs USC Trojans NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 1/4/25
Making on a bet on this NCAA game featuring the Wolverines versus the Trojans? Tip off is at at 8:00 ET, and you can watch it all unfold on FOX. The game will be played at Galen Center in Los Angeles, CA. Michigan come into this Big Ten conference matchup as the -5.5 favorite. The over/under line currently sits at 151.5 points.
MICHIGAN WOLVERINES VS USC TROJANS BETTING PICK
The Pick: USC Trojans +5.5
This game will be played at Galen Center at 8:00 ET on Saturday, January 4th.
WHY BET THE USC TROJANS:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 75-71 in favor of the Trojans.
- Not only will USC pick up the win, but look for them to cover at +5.5.
- The over/under is currently sitting at 151.5 points, and we like the under with a projected 146 points.
Can Michigan Live Up to the Hype on the Road?
Michigan improved to 10-3 on the season with a dominant 112-64 win over Western Kentucky on Sunday. Playing at home, the Wolverines entered the game as -21.5 point favorites and covered the spread comfortably.
Michigan led 59-31 at halftime and continued their strong play in the second half, outscoring the Hilltoppers 53-33. The game’s total points of 176 exceeded the over/under line of 159.5.
Michigan’s offense exploded for 112 points in their last game, shooting 51.6% from the field and hitting 19 threes at a 47.5% clip. Their effective field goal percentage was an impressive 65.6%, and they connected on 77.1% of their free throws, going 27/35 from the line.
Vladislav Goldin was nearly perfect, shooting 87.5% overall and hitting both of his three-point attempts. Nimari Burnett also shined from deep, making 5 of 7 threes, while Tre Donaldson grabbed 11 rebounds and added 4 assists.
Even though Michigan allowed 64 points, they struggled defensively, giving up 51% shooting from the field. The Wolverines allowed 33 made field goals on 64 attempts.
Michigan’s defense also put the opposing team on the free-throw line 35 times, where they converted 27 free throws, shooting 77%.
Do the Trojans Stand a Chance at Home?
USC Trojans Recent Game/Games
USC improved to 9-4 on the season with an 82-51 home win over Southern on Sunday, December 22nd. The Trojans, who were -15.5 favorites, covered the spread, while the game’s total points of 133 fell short of the 144.5 O/U line.
USC led 41-27 at halftime and maintained their momentum in the 2nd half, scoring another 41 points while holding Southern to just 24 points after the break.
USC put up 82 points in their last game, shooting 48% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 54%. They hit 6 of 17 from beyond the arc, shooting 35.3% from three, and connected on 80% of their free throws, going 28 for 35.
Chibuzo Agbo led the way with 18 points, hitting 4 of 8 from three, while Josh Cohen added 17 points in just 14 minutes, shooting 80% from the field. Desmond Claude contributed 13 points and 5 assists, and the Trojans finished with 17 assists as a team.
Despite giving up 51 points, USC’s defense allowed their opponent to shoot 48% from the field, with 24 made baskets on 50 attempts. Inside the arc, they connected on 18 of 33 shots, good for 54%.
From three-point range, the opposition hit 6 of 17 attempts, shooting 35%. They also went to the free-throw line 35 times, making 28, which is 80%. USC gave up 9 offensive rebounds.