The Santa Clara Broncos (5-6) square off with the USC Trojans (5-5) at the Leavey Center. The game begins at 10 p.m. ET on Tuesday, December 18, 2018.
USC Trojans at Santa Clara Broncos ATS Prediction
The last time the Trojans played, they blew out the Robert Morris Colonials, 83-62. The Trojans had a much better free throw rate (0.281 vs. 0.129) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.588 vs. 0.379). USC received a boost from Nick Rakocevic, who finished with 18 points and 16 rebounds.
The Broncos were beaten by the Prairie View A&M Panthers in their last matchup, 81-64. Prairie View A&M’s turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over Santa Clara. The Panthers had a rate of 11.7, while the Broncos posted a mark of 22.3. With 11 points and 13 rebounds, Josh Martin put together a good performance for Santa Clara.
After the Trojans won the sole game against the Broncos last season, 82-59, these teams will meet for the first time this year. The Trojans had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (47.1 vs. 20.0) and had a much better free throw rate (0.262 vs. 0.156).
Kevin Porter Jr. has averaged 0 points over the last five games for USC.
This game should be a showdown of contrasting tempos. USC prefers a fast-breaking style of play (45th in possessions per game), while Santa Clara likes to grind-it-out (222nd in possessions per game).
USC Trojans vs. Santa Clara Broncos Betting Pick
Free College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Santa Clara, ATS Winner – USC, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Santa Clara ranks fifth in three pointers allowed per game (16.6) while USC ranks 190th (24.2).
The Broncos rank 82nd in assists per game (14.6) while the Trojans rank 186th in assists allowed per game (14.7).
Santa Clara ranks 144th in rebounds per game (35.8) while USC ranks 223rd in rebounds allowed per game (38.5).
The Broncos rank 30th in blocks per game (4.7) while the Trojans rank 73rd (3.8).
Bettings Trends:
The Trojans’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 11.4, up from 2.4 for the season.
During their last five games, the Broncos have scored an average of 63.6 points per game (6.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 73.4 points per game (3.9 above their season average).
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