USC vs Indiana CBB: Picks & Betting Advice

USC Trojans (9-5 SU, 5-9 ATS) vs. Indiana Hoosiers (12-3 SU, 8-7 ATS)

When: Wednesday, January 8th, 7:00 PM (ET)

Where: Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall, IN, Bloomington

TV: BTN

Point Spread: USC +6.5/IND -6.5

Total: 150.5

Money Line: USC Trojans +235/-297

Notable Injuries

Trojans

• Terrance Williams II (Questionable) Wrist
• Matt Knowling (Questionable) Undisclosed
• Kallai Patton (Questionable) Undisclosed

Hoosiers

• Malik Reneau (Questionable) Lower Body
• Gabe Cupps (Out) Lower Body
• Jakai Newton (Out) Undisclosed

Recent Form

USC Trojans Recent Game/Games

USC fell to 9-5 on the season after an 85-74 loss to Michigan on Saturday. The Trojans were +5.5 point underdogs at home and failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game reached 159, surpassing the O/U line of 151.5.

USC trailed 42-38 at halftime and couldn’t close the gap in the 2nd half, scoring 36 points while allowing 43.

Indiana Hoosiers Recent Game/Games

The Hoosiers improved to 12-3 on the season with a 77-71 win over Penn State on Sunday. Indiana, who were +7.5 point underdogs, not only pulled off the upset but also covered the spread.

After a 29-29 first half, Indiana came alive in the second half, outscoring Penn State 48-42. The game’s total points of 148 fell short of the 157.5 O/U line.

Analysis

USC put up 74 points in their last game, shooting 43.5% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 48.4%. They hit 6 of 18 from beyond the arc, good for 33.3%, and connected on 63.6% of their free throws, going 14 for 22. The Trojans grabbed 12 offensive rebounds and dished out 19 assists as a team.

Danny Wolf led the way with 21 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists, shooting 75% from the field and 66.7% from three. Desmond Claude and Wesley Yates III each added 19 points, with Yates hitting 50% from deep. The Donaldson also contributed 16 points, knocking down 4 of 6 from three-point range.

USC’s defense gave up 85 points in their last game, with the opposing team shooting 43% from the field on 27 of 62 attempts. Inside the arc, they allowed 21 of 44 shooting, which is 47%.

From three-point range, USC’s defense held the other team to 6 of 18 shooting, or 33%. They also sent them to the free-throw line 22 times, where they made 14, shooting 63%. USC allowed 12 offensive rebounds.

In their recent game, the Hoosiers put up 77 points, shooting 44.8% from the field and 39.1% from beyond the arc. Their effective field goal percentage was 51.7%, and they hit 72.7% of their free throws, going 16-for-22 from the line.

Oumar Ballo led the way with 25 points and 13 rebounds, shooting 60% from the field. Nick Kern Jr. added 21 points, hitting 8 of 13 shots, while Mackenzie Mgbako contributed 20 points, knocking down 4 of 8 threes.

Despite giving up 71 points, Indiana’s defense managed to hold their opponent to just 3/21 shooting from beyond the arc, a 14% success rate. The Hoosiers also limited their opponent’s trips to the free-throw line, where they shot 58% (10/17).

Inside the arc, Indiana struggled, allowing their opponent to hit 61% of their two-point attempts (26/42). They also gave up 11 offensive rebounds in the game.

Betting Trends

• Although USC has a straight-up record of 1-2 in their last three road games, they have not held up as well vs the spread going 1-2. The team averaged 69 points per game in these games.
• Across their ten previous home games, Indiana has an ATS mark of 5-5. Their straight-up record in these matchups was 5-5 while averaging 73 points per game.
• In their last five games as the betting underdog, the Trojans have a straight-up record of 1-4 and an ATS mark of 1-4.
• As the betting favorite, the Hoosiers have an ATS mark of just 6-4 in their last ten games. Indiana posted a straight-up mark of 9-1 in these matchups.

Joe’s Pick To Cover The Spread

USC had an opportunity to pick up a big win over Michigan in their last game but lost by nine at home, while the Hoosiers are coming in with some momentum after an upset win over Penn State. I’m rolling with Indiana, who has a good chance to keep things going at home. Look for Indiana to cover at -6.5.