Utah Utes (15-9) vs. USC Trojans (9-15)
College basketball fans can anticipate an exciting matchup when the Utah Utes take on the USC Trojans on Thursday, February 15th 2024 at Galen Center with a primetime slot on FS1. Considering each team is currently 15-9 and 9-15 respectively, this contest may prove pivotal in shaping each team’s future success this season. Basketball expert picks will surely keep an eye out to gauge its possible effect on the season’s trajectory.
Utah Utes have displayed impressive offensive prowess this season, averaging 79.2 points per game with a 47% field goal percentage to demonstrate their efficiency on the court. Their perimeter shooting has been particularly effective at 36.6% success rate for 8.9 average 3-point field goals made per game and 29.1 defensive rebounds average per game at 36.1% success rate while free-throw percentage stands at 64% which highlights where their weaknesses may lie.
On the other hand, USC Trojans despite their lesser record have shown glimpses of brilliance, particularly defensively. Averaging 74.4 points per game with an overall field goal percentage of 44.7% remains competitive; their 3-point shooting average sits at 7.8 with 35.2% accuracy slightly lower than Utah Utes while their free throw percentage stands out significantly at 68.9%; they also average more blocks per game at 5.3 which indicates their robust presence within the paint.
Utah Utes vs. USC Trojans Game Info
| When: | Thursday, February 15, 2024 at 11:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Galen Center |
| TV: | FS1 |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Branden Carlson (Center) vs. Boogie Ellis (Guard)
Utah center Branden Carlson has taken his game to another level in his junior season, averaging 17 points, 7 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game while shooting an efficient 47% from the field. The agile big man possesses an excellent inside-outside offensive skill set. He will look to exploit his size advantage down low against USC’s smaller frontcourt. Limiting turnovers will be key for Carlson, as he has coughed it up nearly 1.5 times per contest.
For USC, senior guard Boogie Ellis is the undisputed leader of the team’s offense, leading the Trojans in scoring at 16 points per game while also dishing out 3 assists. The Memphis transfer likes to attack off the bounce using a change of pace, though he is shooting just 43% on 2-point attempts this season. Ellis will be the primary source of perimeter scoring for the Trojans against Utah’s inconsistent defense. His ability to penetrate and create offense for himself and teammates could prove critical in determining the outcome of this matchup.
With Carlson standing as Utah’s clear focal point offensively, Ellis will likely draw the assignment of guarding the Utes’ big man for stretches when they play small. His on-ball defense could be tested against the versatile center. Additionally, Carlson logging extended minutes could pull him away from the rim on defense, potentially opening driving lanes for Ellis. These individual matchups may dictate which team gains an upper hand.
NCAAB Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
Without specific betting odds available at the moment, the anticipation builds around the potential spreads and moneylines for this matchup. Given the teams’ current forms and historical performances, insights and recommendations will lean towards evaluating the Utes’ offensive strength against the Trojans’ defensive tactics.
Utah Utes Betting Trends
Utah’s struggles versus the spread have coincided with their recent slide, as they are just 1-4 ATS over their last five contests. The Utes are also a paltry 2-5 against the spread on the road this season. However, the over has hit in 3 of Utah’s previous 5 overall, a trend that could continue against USC’s porous defense.
USC Trojans Betting Trends
Much like their straight-up record, USC has been a disappointment for bettors this season with a 10-13 ATS record. However, they have shown some betting value in recent home games, going 4-3 ATS as a home underdog this year. The over has also hit in 9 of the Trojans’ last 14 at Galen Center, signaling potential for a higher scoring affair.
Utah Utes vs. USC Trojans 2/15/24 Betting Picks
Given trends and key player analysis, it appears to be an evenly-contested affair, with Utah Utes’ superior offensive stats giving them a slight edge in this match-up. A key factor will likely be whether USC can contain Utah scoring threats while also taking advantage of any defense gaps by Boogie Ellis.
According to top bookie software and available trends, Utah Utes appear the smarter option for covering the spread (assuming it leans slightly in their favor due to their better record). As for over/under wagers, that will depend on total score but given both teams’ propensity for high scoring contests a decision in favor of betting OVER could prove wise.
