Oregon vs USC Betting: Ducks Slight Road Favorites
Trojans in Five-Game Losing Streak
The Oregon Ducks (14-6) visit the USC Trojans (8-12) for a Pac-12 Conference game on Thursday. The Ducks dropped into a first-place tie with Arizona after losing to the Wildcats last game. Southern Cal is stuck in the middle of a five-game losing skid and is in last place. The last four losses have all been by double-digits. But the Trojans did cover the spread in two of those NCAAB games. The Oregon vs USC betting odds have the Ducks favored by 2 and the total is 148.5. Oregon won 82-74 at home in December.
Ducks vs Trojans 
Day/Time:
Location: Galen Center, Los Angeles, California
Streaming: Watch Live Sports
Oregon Relies on Offense For Wins
The Ducks are a pretty good offensive team, averaging 78.2 points per game against teams allowing 72.5 points. Oregon shoots 47.1% from the field and is solid from the outside.
The Ducks hit 37.6% of their 3-pointers and that number has increased to 41.6% since conference play started. Oregon doesn’t make a lot of turnovers, but doesn’t get many offensive rebounds. The Oregon Ducks play at a pretty average pace on offense.
Oregon isn’t terrible defensively, but it’s not really that good, either. The Ducks are rated No. 9 in the Pac-12 by the KenPom defensive efficiency ratings. Oregon is allowing teams to shoot 45.4% from the field for the NCAA basketball season.
But those numbers have gone up since the start of the conference season. In Pac-12 games, Oregon is allowing teams to shoot 36.4% on 3-pointers and 54.2% from 2-point range. The Ducks are pretty average in forcing turnovers and preventing offensive rebounds.
The Ducks have shown a tendency to bounce back from poor defensive games. Oregon is 5-1 against the NCAA basketball betting lines after allowing 80 or more points. The Ducks are 11-8-1 against the spread this year and 12-8 in totals.
In conference play, Oregon is 5-4 ATS and 6-3 in totals. The Ducks have a pretty favorable schedule remaining and have a decent shot of making the NCAA Tournament. The potential to make some noise is there and the Ducks are +2000 on the March Madness odds to make the Final Four.
Trojans Still Fighting Injuries
USC saw Boogie Ellis return to the line-up last game. But second-leading scorer Isaiah Collier is going to miss a few more weeks with a hand injury. Southern Cal struggled without their top two scorers and are counting on Ellis to help pick up the offensive.
The Trojans are averaging 61.2 points over their last five games. USC is 9-11 against the spread on the NCAAB season and 13-7 in totals. The Trojans have struggled a bit as an underdog, going 2-4 ATS this season.
Southern Cal’s offensive numbers in the conference aren’t good, although the NCAAB injuries have played a part. The Trojans are No. 11 in the Pac-12 in the KenPom offensive efficiency ratings. USC can hit the 3-pointer, but that’s about it.
The Trojans make too many turnovers, but have gotten some offensive rebounds. When you’re shooting 48.2% from 2-point range, the chance for offensive rebounds will be there.
The Trojans haven’t played well defensively in conference games. USC is No. 11 in the defensive efficiency ratings and is allowing 39.7% on 3-pointers in Pac-12 games. The 2-point defense has been better at 48.9% and the Trojans do force some turnovers. But they also allow a number of offensive rebounds.
What to Expect
The Ducks led 42-25 at halftime when these NCAAB teams met in Eugene earlier this year. Oregon was 8 for 20 on 3-point attempts, but the big difference was at the foul line. The Ducks made 26 free throws and the Trojans made 10. Oregon should have another decent night from 3-point range, but could shoot more if not playing with a big lead.
For the Trojans, hitting a few outside shots early would open up the inside and allow them to attack Oregon’s defensive weakness. It could be a long night for USC if its shooting outside shots all game.
Who to Bet On?
The Oregon vs USC betting odds seem to be a little light. You would expect the Ducks to be closer to 2.5- or 3-point favorites in this one. Ellis wasn’t very effective in his return, but with a few more practices in, he could resemble his old self.
As far as the total goes, the number might be a shade high considering how the Trojans have played lately. Ellis will help with the offensive output, but it’s hard to tell how much. USC hasn’t scored more than 67 points in any of their last five games. The Oregon vs USC betting odds on the total make it a tough call, however. You can make a decent case for the over or the under.
Strictly from a value standpoint, the Ducks are the right side in this one. Take Oregon -2 for one of your college basketball picks today.
For NCAAB betting news, odds analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.
