Cal State-Bakersfield vs USC Prediction - College Basketball Picks 11/9/23
The Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners and USC Trojans face off on Thursday in a college basketball showdown at the Galen Center.
USC Looked Elite Against Kansas State
USC opened up the season against Kansas State and they looked dominant. The USC scored 82 points and that led to the 13 point victory. At halftime, USC was up 40-30 and they never looked back on the way to the victory. USC shot 51.7 percent from the field and 25 percent from behind the three point line. USC was led by Boogie Ellis and he completed 24 points, eight rebounds, and five assists. Isaiah Colier finished with 18 points, six assists, and three rebounds. There were four different players that finished with at least 11 points.
Cal State Bakersfield Comes Back Against Southern Utah
Cal State Bakersfield faced off against Southern Utah in the first game of the season and they made a second half comeback to secure the 73-72 victory. Cal State Bakersfield scored 39 points in the second half and that was enough for the 73-72 victory. Kaleb Higgins was the top player for the Roadrunners putting up 27 points, two rebounds and two assists. He was the only player that scored in double figures but there were eight different players that scored at least four points. In this game, they are going to need the players around Higgins to step up and not put so much pressure on him.
Trends
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cal State-Bakersfield's last 5 games. Cal State-Bakersfield are 2-9 SU in their last 11 games on the road. The total has gone OVER in 10 of USC's last 15 games. USC are 15-1 SU in their last 16 games at home.
Shane's Free Pick
I do believe that Cal State Bakersfield can keep this game close. Cal State Bakersfield is going to have a balanced attack and the players around Higgins are going to really step up here. USC will get another big game from Ellis and they will win this game, but it’s not going to be in blowout fashion. Back Cal State Bakersfield to cover the spread.