Cal State Bakersfield at USC odds, picks and predictions
The CSU Bakersfield Roadrunners (1-0) and USC Trojans (1-0) meet Thursday at the Galen Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET (Pac-12 Network). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's lines around the CSU Bakersfield vs. USC odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.
CSU Bakersfield opened the season with a narrow 73-72 win over Southern Utah, failing to cover a 4-point spread as the Over (138.5) connected. The difference was at the free-throw line, as the Roadrunners hit all but 1 of their 13 attempts, good for 92.0%, to just 65.0% for the opposition.
USC topped Kansas State in a neutral-floor battle at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Monday night, winning 82-69 for the easy cover as a 3-point favorite as the Over (147) just came through. It wasn't a perfect game, as USC turned it over 18 times. G Boogie Ellis led the way with 24 points and 8 rebounds.
All eyes were on G Bronny James, but he was a DNP, as he is still recovering from his cardiac arrest situation in July. It's unclear when he'll be able to make his collegiate debut, as he hasn't yet returned to practice.
USC is No. 22 in the Paste BN Sports Coaches Poll.
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CSU Bakersfield at USC odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access Paste BN Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:30 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Off the board (OTB)
- Against the spread (ATS): CSU Bakersfield +25.5 (-110) | USC -25.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 140.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
CSU Bakersfield at USC picks and predictions
Prediction
USC 86, CSU Bakersfield 57
Moneyline
There was no moneyline at the time of publishing, but it wouldn’t be worth pursuing even if it is released before tip-off.
Against the spread
USC -25.5 (-110) is laying a giant number, but the Trojans looked really good in the opener against a very good Kansas State side. CSU Bakersfield was barely able to handle the Thunderbirds of SUU — it's not going down to L.A. and taking out a ranked opponent.
The Trojans won against a top-tier opponent, yet it was anything but crisp. It needs to clean up the 3-point shooting, which was just 25% (5-of-20), while curbing the high rate of turnovers. If it does that against a smallish opponent, USC should roll.
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Over/Under
OVER 140.5 (-110) is worth playing lightly.
USC is going to score its fair share of points, and CSU Bakersfield will likely get some garbage-time points in the 2nd half with the game well out of hand. It's a scenario Over bettors like to see, as the heavy favorite puts inexperienced players in, while the visitors keep their regulars in to gain some confidence.
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