UCLA Bruins at USC Trojans Betting Preview/Prop Pick

Two teams set in sunny California will yet again face off in a college basketball matchup. The UCLA Bruins ranked 12th in college basketball, face the No.21 USC Trojans. This is going to be a battle between very similar teams on both sides of the ball.

The Bruins will hope to come out on top after their win over Stanford. However, the Trojans will do what they can to stop it.

The USC Trojans are a good team this season. They haven't quite hit the top fifteen yet, but they could be on their way soon. One way to help their standing in college basketball is by securing big wins over ranked teams.

Today, they'll get a chance to do that when they take on the UCLA Bruins. Are the Trojans up to the challenge? Or could they be another step for UCLA?

UCLA Bruins: Teamwork is making this team lethal

There is something to be said for teams that still continue to play as one unit. The Bruins have put together a 17-4 record and are 9-3 in the conference. The offensive output of 77.76 points per game is impressive, but the defense is great too.

On average, the Bruins only allow their opponents to score 65.90 points per game. They'll need this tough defense against the Trojans.

On offense, the idea will remain as it normally is for UCLA. They'll focus on working the ball around to get the best looks. Johnny Juzang will play a vital role in this because he's the Bruins leading scorer.

Tyger Campbell will also play a large role in this game as the team's distributor. Campbell averages 4.7 assists per game and is a key piece in the offense for the UCLA Bruins.

USC Trojans: USC at home is a dangerous team to play

Certain teams turn into titans when they're playing at home; the Trojans are one of them. In twelve home games, the Trojans have gone 10-2. They have one of the best records overall in college basketball at 20-4.

This is a great basketball team; they're just missing a few pieces that would take it to a new level. One of these is their absolutely atrocious free-throw percentage. 

The Trojans are shooting 64.43% from the free-throw line this season. These are free points that they're leaving on the table. The Bruins know this and will likely fit it into their game plan somehow.

It's going to be a tough challenge for the Trojans to overcome, but it's one that needs to be addressed. That being said, which of these teams should you add to your ticket today?

Our pick for the UCLA Bruins at USC Trojans

The UCLA Bruins come in as two-point favorites, and for that reason, we'll take them. This is a great spread to take the offensive powerhouse of the Bruins with. The Trojans have struggled immensely against the spread lately, going 1-4 in their last five. 

UCLA has played pretty well against the spread, going 5-2 ATS in their last seven. We'll also say that taking the over 138 is a good choice here as well.

Each of these teams has the ability to put up a lot of points. Pairing the Bruins -2 with the over is the best bet for today's game.

DunkelIndex Free Pick: UCLA Bruins -2, OVER

Prop Pick

UCLA (-115) OVER 68.5 Points

The Bruins are averaging 77.8 points per game on offense, which ranks No. 24 in the nation. Scores have gone OVER in each of the Bruins last two road games.

With Dunkel predicting a UCLA victory by the score of 76-67, take the Bruins (-115) to finish OVER their Vegas team total of 68.5 points against the Trojans.

Be sure to check out all of our NCAAB picks!