Arizona at USC Spread, Free Pick & TV Info

At this point of the college basketball season, most bettors have picked out a handful of teams that they will consider to be prime picks to win the National Championship. Many of these teams are those that have been there before, and who have a history of making deep runs in the ncaa tournament odds. Then there are teams that people are still adopting a wait and see attitude with, as there is a feeling that they cannot possibly keep playing as well as they have to this point in the season. One team that certainly fits that bill is the Arizona Cardinals, as they have been excellent all season, but are still considered by many to be something of a longshot pick. They are a young group, but you can see the confidence grow with every win that they put up, and the fact that they are still unbeaten in conference play is perhaps as sign that it’s time to take them seriously. The Wildcats will have a tough one on Thursday night when they go on the road to face the USC Trojans.

Arizona Wildcats at USC Trojans Spread, Free Pick & TV Info

When: Thursday, January 19 at 9 PM EST Where: Galen Center, LA TV: PAC-12 Network Live Stream: NCAA Live NCAAB Odds: TBA    

Why bet on the Arizona Wildcats

Perhaps part of the reason why some people are still on the fence with Arizona is due to the fact that they have only had two games against ranked opponents this season, going 1-1 in those meetings. Arizona Wildcats took out Michigan State to start the season, and lost to Gonzaga in a competitive effort a few weeks back. Since that loss to the Bulldogs, Arizona have won 10-straight, including their first 5 games in conference play. They have been particularly good against USC in recent years, going 7-3 SU against them in the last 10 meetings. This will be the 4th road game for the Wildcats this season, with the previous 3 all ending in wins. This will be a tough outing, and a win here may further cement their legitimate status.

Why bet on the USC Trojans

The Trojans season has fallen apart a little after they got off to a terrific 12-0 start. It has been conference play that has been their undoing, as they are just 3-3 in their first 6 games in the PAC-12. That said, this is a team that has been very solid in their own building, going 9-1 SU, but they have lost 2 of their last 3 meetings with the Wildcats on home court. USC only has one other game against a ranked opponent this season, and that one did not go well, as they were hammered 84-61 on the road at Oregon. A win here would certainly help the Trojans regain some of their early season confidence, but this is going to be a tough one.

Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction

The Wildcats are rolling right now, and while it is going to be difficult to get a win in a tough building, I believe that is exactly what they will do.

Arizona Wildcats 85 USC Trojans 76