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UCLA vs. USC Prediction and Odds (Bet Trojans as Small Underdogs)

By Reed Wallach

Jan 29, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans forward Isaiah Mobley (3) pumps up the crowd
Jan 29, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans forward Isaiah Mobley (3) pumps up the crowd / Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
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The PAC-12 has a massive game on Saturday night between two inner-city rivals when UCLA takes the short trip to face USC.

The Trojans are still looking for a signature win on the season while UCLA remains part of the conference elite after a Final Four run last season and a strong 9-3 record in league play.

Who will win the Battle for Los Angeles? Here are the odds from WynnBET Sportsbook.

UCLA vs. USC Odds Spread and Total

Spread:

  • UCLA: -1.5 (-110)
  • USC: +1.5 (-110)

Moneyline:

  • UCLA: -123
  • USC: +115

Total: 136.5 (Over -110/Under -110)

UCLA vs. USC Prediction and Pick

From this morning's best bets column:

My number is right on line here, but I like the situation for the Trojans on Saturday night against their inner-city rivals.

USC had to comeback late against a lowly Pacific team on Tuesday night in a rescheduled non conference matchup, but that's a bit misleading. The team didn't have star forward Isaiah Mobley due to a broken nose, but he's on track to play in this one (make sure to confirm before tip if you want).

I haven't been a believer in UCLA all season and the Trojans match up very well against them. USC has one of the best interior defenses in the country with their gigantic front court, fifth in field goal percentage allowed at the rim and fourth in overall two-point percentage.

The Bruins are bottom 60 in the country in three-point rate and like to use point guard Tyger Campbell to get inside and generate for the likes the Johnny Juzang and Jules Bernard. However, the team's length will overwhelm the 5'11" Campbell and clean the glass against a UCLA team that is 10th in offensive rebounding percentage in PAC-12 play.

The Trojans are good, but haven't really proven themselves just yet, winning two games over KenPom top 50 teams this season. The team has a ton of talent and size and I expect we see a massive effort against a highly ranked foe on Saturday night, who they have also beaten five of the last six meetings.

I played this at +2.5, but I believe the Trojans are the side here in a spot that sets up well for a nice short underdog moneyline play.

PICK: USC ML +115

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