UCLA Bruins Favored Over USC Trojans in Crosstown Showdown Despite Offensive Limitations

Game outlook

In a Pac-12 Conference matchup, the UCLA Bruins and USC Trojans will face off at Galen Center in Los Angeles, California on January 27, 2023. Both teams have been struggling throughout the season, making this game one to watch. USC has been established as the favorite to win with a 4.5-point advantage and a total point projection of 138.0. The betting odds initially placed USC at -2.5, and there have been no changes in the line since then.

Betting Odds

Moneyline: Bruins +120 | Trojans -145

Spread: Bruins +2.5 (-110) | Trojans -2.5 (-110)

Total: Over/Under 136 (-110)

Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that USC will win straight-up is 59%.

UCLA Bruins

The UCLA Bruins recently had a seven-day break and are coming off a 77-71 loss against Arizona. They had previously won against Washington and Arizona State, but blew a 17-point lead in their game against No. 12 ranked team. Despite making 44.6% of their field goals in their last game, they allowed 13 offensive rebounds and 29 free-throw attempts to their opponent. Freshman guard Sebastian Mack led the team with 21 points, five rebounds, and four assists, while junior guard Lazar Stefanovic contributed 17 points and eight rebounds. In terms of rankings, UCLA is currently ranked No. 154 in the NCAA NET Rankings and No. 106 in the KenPom rankings. They score an average of 105.3 points per 100 possessions and allow 99.2 points in return. In terms of three-point shooting, they make an average of 5.3 triples per game with a 30.7% percentage in conference play. Looking at their offensive statistics, UCLA is ranked 347 in offense, averaging 64.89 points per game. They have a field goal percentage of 41.76% (#309), a free-throw percentage of 71.12% (#195), and a three-point percentage of 29.56% (#335). They also average 34.83 rebounds per game and have 11.89 offensive assists and 12.33 turnovers per game. Defensively, UCLA allows opponents to make 40.10% of their field goals (#39) and 70.30% of their free throws (#148). They also allow 32.58% of three-pointers (#151) and average 32.33 defensive rebounds per game. They have 10.44 defensive assists and 12.67 turnovers per game. In conclusion, the UCLA Bruins have had mixed results in their recent games and have some areas for improvement in terms of shooting percentages and defensive rebounds. “It’s a historical rivalry. Everybody that has come into UCLA knows about the rivalry. And I know all of us are looking forward to the games, especially the guys who are from L.A., from out here.” Sophomore Adem Bona, speaking about the UCLA-USC rivalry pic.twitter.com/iVqsGLJQc4