Barry Recks
The Arizona Wildcats and the USC Trojans are tied for second place in the Pac-12 Conference standings, with each team caring a 13-5 league record. Who breaks away from the other with a win this Thursday?
Read on for more about this Arizona vs USC matchup in the 2022-23 college basketball season, including the latest odds, pick, and prediction to win this showdown, as brought to you by JefeBet. Also, don’t forget to check out the other NCAAB game previews here to help you make the best betting decisions.
Predictions and Betting Preview for the Arizona Wildcats vs USC Trojans College Basketball Game on March 2, 2023
- Where: Galen Center, Los Angeles, California
- When: Thursday, March 2, 2023, 11:00 PM ET
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Betting on the Arizona Wildcats
- Regular Season Record: 24-5
The Wildcats are looking to get the bitter taste of the result of their last game out of their mouth. In their most recent outing, the Wildcats lost to the Arizona State Sun Devils at home on Saturday, 89-88, via a buzzer-beating 60-footer. The loss to Arizona State snapped the Wildcats’ two-game win streak and denied them of winning their last game in Tucson of the season.
Nevertheless, Arizona remains a dangerous squad. Its offense is one of the best in the nation, with the Wildcats averaging 83.3 points per game – third overall in Division I basketball. The Wildcats are also carrying a 56.4 eFG%, which is fourth in the nation. Arizona also features an intimidating frontline fronted by 6-11 Azuolas Tubelis and 7-0 Oumar Ballo, who average 19.6 and 14.3 points, respectively. Arizona is 2-1-1 against the spread in its last four games away from Tucson.
Betting on the USC Trojans
- Regular Season Record: 21-8
The Trojans return home this Thursday after beating the Utah Utes on the road last Saturday, 62-49. They are now 4-0 over their last four games. USC’s defense has been particularly effective of late, as the Trojans had not allowed more than 65 points in any of their last three outings. On the season, the Trojans are giving up only 66.3 points per game and 97.4 points per 100 possessions.
USC is pretty good at forcing opponents into taking tougher shots, which is also why teams are recording just a 44.9 eFG% against them, so far this season. The Utes shot just 31.7 FG% and 35.7 eFG% in the loss to USC. The Trojans’ attack, meanwhile, has done a fine job converting attempts from deep lately, with USC hitting at least 11 3-pointers in three of its last four outings. USC is 4-0 against the spread in its last four games.
JefeBet Prediction
The Wildcats’ defense has been suspect this season, leaving them exposed to danger against teams that are normally not high-scoring. That will be the case this Thursday, with the Trojans scoring more than their season average to keep in step with Arizona.
Prediction: USC spread.
