USC vs Cal Odds & Prediction: Upset in Order?

The USC Trojans finally got back on track last Saturday as they picked up a win over Oregon State. Now, they have a chance to build some momentum as they go on the road to face the Cal Golden Bears.

Cal comes into this matchup trending in the right direction as well. The Bears have won three of their last five matchups, but that run has only pulled them to the same record as their opponent tonight.

The Trojans' struggles this season on the offensive end of the floor are well-known by now. However, their most recent win shows the potential of this club because its depth finally showed through.

USC has been without its second-best player, Isaiah Collier, for the last month, and while his absence coincided with a six-game losing streak, many role players will have confidence heading into this matchup.

Oziyah Sellers has stepped up and proven to be productive alongside Boogie Ellis. Sellers has scored in double figures in five of the last six games, and his prowess from midrange and beyond the arc will be key against the Golden Bears.

Cal hasn't defended the perimeter well, ranking 285th in 3-point percentage allowed. Although, the Golden Bears aren't much better at defending the paint, so the Trojans can use their size to put together a more efficient offensive attack in this matchup.

On paper, the unit with the best edge will be the Golden Bears on the offensive end of the floor. They rank 92nd in adjusted offensive efficiency and have done plenty of damage from beyond the arc. Cal ranks 163rd in 3-point percentage, but 3s have accounted for over 34% of its points.

That's bad news for the Trojans.

USC has been scorched from beyond the arc, ranking 300th in 3-point percentage allowed. However, the variance that comes with shooting 3s at a high volume could come back to hurt the Golden Bears here.

Cal isn't very efficient from long range, and the Trojans will be the much taller team with the ability to put length on the perimeter. USC's size will play a significant role on this end of the floor.

The must-have app for college basketball bettors

The best NCAAB betting scoreboard

Free picks from proven pros

Live win probabilities for your bets

DOWNLOAD NOW

These two teams are very evenly matched, as both will have their edges offensively. But the Trojans are still being undervalued here.

Not only do they have some momentum coming off their last game, but their advantages on the defensive end will show why this team was so highly thought of at the beginning of the season.

If the Trojans' depth can stay hot and help Ellis on the offensive end, they will not only pull off the upset but will win by more than one possession.

Pick: USC +2.5 (Play to PK)