USC vs Alabama State Betting Preview
College basketball analyst Kyle Kargel breaks down tonight’s USC vs Alabama State Pac-12/SWAC Legacy Series matchup from from the Galen Center. Both USC and Alabama State suffered tough losses in their respectful opening season matchups.
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Thursday, November 10 | College Basketball Betting Notes |
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Point Spread: | USC Trojans -27 vs Alabama State Hornets |
Total: | 145 Points |
Game Time: | 11:00pm ET / 8:00pm PT |
Arena: | Galen Center in Los Angeles, CA (Odds Above by DraftKings) |
TV: | Pac-12 Network |
USC vs Alabama State Analysis
USC and Alabama State play in the second game of the Pac-12/SWAC Legacy Series with both coming off very disappointing opening season games. The Hornets allowed UAB to put up 111 points a season after ranking 321st in opponent points per game.
USC was cruising against Florida Gulf Coast leading 21-10 at one point in the first half but ended up getting upset as 18-point favorites to beat the Eagles. They attempt to rebound tonight against Alabama State.
Alabama State Looks To Avoid Blowout
Last season it wasn’t the defense that was the problem for the Hornets but more or less the offense. They were 102nd in defensive turnover percentage, 142nd in block percentage and 95th in steal percentage.
The offense was sloppy ranking 337th in turnover percentage and 291st in two point field goal percentage. The Hornets were led by guard TJ Madlock in their 41-point loss at UAB scoring 25 points on 8-16 shooting including 5-9 from three point range.
Their biggest flaw on defense was fouls. They committed 31 in total which led to 45 Blazer free throw attempts! If the Hornets want a prayer of covering as 27-point underdogs, they’ll have to replace fouls with better defense.
Trojans Embarrassed By FGCU
The Trojans fell off a cliff in their 2nd half against Florida Gulf Coast only scoring 12 points in the first 15 minutes of that half turning their one-point lead at the half into a 13-point loss. As a team USC only shot 15% from 3-pt range and committed 15 turnovers.
Senior Boogie Ellis led the team in scoring with 19 points on 5-13 shooting while no other player on the team scored more than seven points. USC had success in previous seasons due to the Mobley brothers presence but they are both out and in the NBA now.
The Trojans should have no problem polishing off the Hornets but if they want to make the NCAA Tournament again this season they’ll need to rely on a more team style basketball rather than their big men bailing them out down low like in previous seasons.
USC vs Alabama State Prediction
The Trojans were embarrassed by Florida Gulf Coast and they’re well aware that’ll be the headline going into tonight’s game. This should be a statement game for USC to recover from that embarrassment especially for head coach Andy Enfield who coached Florida Gulf Coast from 2011-13.
USC knows how to put up points and if Alabama State can put up anywhere near 60 points the over of 145 should have no problem cashing. I’m looking at a 90-65 type of score here in this Pac-12/SWAC Legacy Series matchup.
Prediction: Over 145 Points Scored
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College Basketball Stat Sheet
GoldSheet prepares a daily college basketball stat sheet, which offers a head-to-head comparison for how teams are performing in a number of key areas heading into a game. Check out Wednesday’s sheet, with notes on tonight’s Seton Hall vs Monmouth contest.
Happy Hour Tip-Off Show
Get your daily fix of college hoops betting information with Joe Raineri and a rotating panel of handicapping guests. The Happy Hour Tip-Off Show will broadcast Monday through Friday at 1:45pm ET / 10:45am PT. Pull up a barstool and join us as we break down tonight’s college basketball card, including this USC vs Alabama State clash, from a sports betting perspective.
College Basketball Odds Screen
Sportsmemo’s live odds screen features up-to-the-minute lines from a variety of offshore and domestic sports books. Track the college basketball point spreads, moneylines, first half lines and betting percentages for all of Wednesday’s college basketball games, including this USC vs Alabama State showdown, from your desktop or phone.
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