The Washington State Cougars are set to face off against the USC Trojans in an exciting NCAA basketball matchup on Sunday. This game will take place at the Galen Center in Los Angeles, California, with a scheduled tip-off at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Game Overview
The Cougars enter the contest with a record of 3-7, while the Trojans boast a strong 9-1 record. Historically, USC leads the all-time series 81-50. However, Washington State claimed victory in their last meeting on February 29, 2024, winning 75-72.
Recent Performances
- Washington State has struggled recently, losing four consecutive games.
- In their last outing, the Cougars lost 78-64 to the Nevada Wolf Pack as a 2-point favorite.
- Washington State has been 1-3 against the spread (ATS) during their current losing streak.
- G Tomas Thrastarson was a standout player for the Cougars, scoring 20 points off the bench.
- USC recently won 94-81 against the San Diego Toreros but failed to cover as a 14-point favorite.
- G Chad Baker-Mazara led USC with an impressive 31 points in their last game.
Betting Odds
According to BetMGM Sportsbook, the odds for the game are as follows:
| Bet Type | Washington State | USC |
|---|---|---|
| Moneyline | +825 | -1400 |
| Against the Spread | +15.5 (-118) | -15.5 (-102) |
| Over/Under | 158.5 | |
Picks and Predictions
For this matchup, predictions suggest USC will win decisively, with a projected score of 89-71. However, betting on USC’s moneyline at -1400 may not yield sufficient returns, making it a risky choice.
The recommended wager is on USC -15.5, although caution is advised. Washington State’s recent performance has seen them struggle against the spread, going 1-3 in their last four games. Meanwhile, the total points scored have leaned towards the Over for USC, hitting in five consecutive games.
Nonetheless, given Washington State’s difficulties in scoring, with an average of just 61.7 points per game in their last three contests, placing a bet on the Over at 158.5 should be approached with caution.
For additional sports betting insights and predictions, visit El-Balad.
