The college basketball season will continue on Thursday night and there is an interesting matchup set to take place in the Pac-12 Conference. It will be the USC Trojans visiting the Washington State Cougars, and this game should be an absolute battle.
USC is coming into this game with an overall record of 11-16, and injuries have derailed this season since it began. The Trojans have won two of their last three games, and that will give them some momentum in this game.
Washington State just had their long winning streak snapped in their most recent game, and they are looking to bounce back in a hurry. The Cougars are 21-7 so far this season, and look like a lock to reach the NCAA Tournament.
Washington State is coming into this game as a 7.5-point betting favorite, and the over/under line is set at 138.5 total points.
USC Can Score
The USC Trojans might have a losing record this season, but they are a team that can put points on the board in a hurry. USC is scoring over 74 points per game this season, and they will be even better now that they are healthy.
Boogie Ellis is having a huge season for USC as he is leading the team with 17 points per game. The Trojans are a team that doesn’t always shoot it well, but they can score points in the paint.
Getting stops on defense has been a major issue for this team as they are allowing over 74 points per game. USC will need to be solid on both ends of the floor in other to win this matchup.
Cougars Want to Defend
The Washington State Cougars have also been a solid offensive team this season, and they are scoring 75 points per game. While the Cougars will need to make shots to win this game, they are also able to set the tone on defense.
Washington State is allowing just 67 points per game this season, and they have been able to shut down some great teams in the Pac-12 Conference. The Cougars are going to be at a size disadvantage in this matchup, but they will look to put some pressure on the perimeter.
Forward Isaac Jones is leading the Cougars with 15.8 points per game, and he will need to have a big game for the Cougars to deal with the Trojans.
Trojans Play Tough Against Cougars
USC is starting to get healthy at the right time of year, and they can present some serious challenges to other teams in the Pac-12 Conference. The Trojans do need to find a way to get some stops, but that offense continues to be explosive.
Washington State will find a way to win this game on their home floor, but it’s not going to be easy all night. The Cougars will struggle to handle the size of USC, and that will put some pressure on them to make big shots.
Take the 7.5 points and back the Trojans in this game, but Washington State will be just good enough to get a win.
