The Washington State Cougars will face off against the USC Trojans this Sunday at the Galen Center in Los Angeles, California, with the game set to tip off at 7:30 p.m. ET, broadcasted on FS1. As two teams with contrasting fortunes enter this contest, the Trojans sit at a strong 9-1 record, while the Cougars struggle at 3-7.
In the historical matchup, USC holds a commanding lead in the all-time series against Washington State, boasting an 81-50 advantage. However, the Cougars managed to triumph in their last encounter on February 29, 2024, winning 75-72, highlighting the competitive nature of this rivalry. Over the last four meetings, the Cougars are 3-1 straight up and have gone 2-2 against the spread, with the Over hitting three times.
The Cougars come into this game on a troubling four-game losing streak, with their latest defeat coming at the hands of the Nevada Wolf Pack, who overwhelmed them 78-64 while they were a 2-point favorite. Despite a strong performance from guard Tomas Thrastarson, who scored 20 points, offensive inconsistency has plagued Washington State. Forward ND Okafor contributed modestly with just 5 points but did secure 8 rebounds and 5 blocks. The Cougars are currently 1-3 against the spread in this losing streak, and notably, the Under has cashed in their last three outings.
In contrast, the Trojans are riding high after a 94-81 victory over the San Diego Toreros. Although they narrowly missed the cover as 14-point favorites, the five consecutive games going Over suggests a high-scoring trend for USC. Guard Chad Baker-Mazara led the charge with 31 points, while forward Ezra Ausar added an impressive 29 points on 10-of-12 shooting. Nevertheless, USC has experienced some struggles at the betting window, holding a 2-5 record against the spread in their last seven outings.
As the teams prepare for Sunday’s clash, BetMGM Sportsbook has set the odds as follows: Washington State is a +825 underdog on the moneyline, while USC is favored at -1400. Against the spread, Washington is receiving 15.5 points at -118 odds compared to USC’s -102 on a -15.5 line. The Over/Under line is set at 158.5.
When it comes to betting predictions, the consensus leans toward a USC victory with a predicted score of 89-71. However, placing a moneyline bet on USC is viewed as a high-risk endeavor, given the steep odds. A lighter wager on USC covering the spread is suggested, particularly in light of Washington State’s recent performance.
Moreover, some betting experts are tempted by the Over at 158.5, citing a high-scoring trend for the Trojans. Nonetheless, caution is advised due to Washington State’s struggle to put up points, averaging just 61.7 points per game over their last three contests.
As the season progresses, these matchups could prove crucial for both teams. Fans and bettors alike will be closely watching to see how this rivalry unfolds.
