Michigan vs USC Prediction College Basketball Picks 1/4/25

In this article, we will formulate a Michigan vs USC prediction for this College Basketball game on Saturday, January 4th at the Galen Center in Los Angeles, California. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

Michigan Wolverines Betting Preview

The Michigan Wolverines are 10-3 (2-0) this year after they defeated Western Kentucky by a score of 112-64 in their last game. Michigan led 59-31 at halftime and added 53 points in the second half in the win. The Wolverines shot 51.6% from the field, 47.5% on three-pointers, and 77.1% on free throws in the game. Vladislav Goldin led Michigan with 17 points and five rebounds, while Nimari Burnett added 17 points and five rebounds in the game. 

Prior to that win, the Wolverines defeated PFW by a score of 89-58 but did lose to Oklahoma by a score of 87-86 before that. Michigan has won nine of its last eleven games, including wins over TCU, Xavier, Wisconsin, and Iowa. Michigan has scored 84 points per game and they have allowed 66.6 points per game, while also averaging 39.8 rebounds and 17.5 assists per game this season. Vladislav Goldin is averaging 13.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game, while Roddy Gayle Jr. is averaging 12.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game this year. Michigan is shooting 51.2% from the field, 71.2% on free throws, and 36.2% on three-pointers this season. 

USC Trojans Betting Preview

The USC Trojans are 9-4 (1-1) this season after they defeated Southern by a score of 82-51 in their last game. USC led 41-27 at halftime and added another 41 points in the second half for the win. The Trojans shot 48% from the field, 35.3% on three-pointers, and 80% on free throws in the game. Chibuzo Agbo led USC with 18 points and four rebounds, while Josh Cohen added 17 points and three rebounds in the win. 

Prior to that game, the Trojans defeated Cal State Northridge by a score of 90-69 and Montana State by a score of 89-63. USC has won four games in a row but did lose to Oregon, New Mexico, and St. Mary’s before that. USC has scored 76.4 points per game and they have allowed 68.4 points per game, while also averaging 32.1 rebounds and 15.8 assists per game this season. Desmond Claude is averaging 14.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game, while Chibuzo Agbo is averaging 13.1 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game this year. USC is shooting 47.8% from the field, 76.3% on free throws, and 34.3% on three-pointers this season. 

Why Michigan will beat USC

• Michigan has won each of its last four games when playing with a rest disadvantage.

Michigan vs USC Prediction 

USC comes into this matchup looking for their fifth win in a row and they have allowed 63 points or fewer in three of those four games. The Trojans have faced a pretty easy schedule so far this year and their biggest win is probably against Washington. Michigan does have two ranked wins already and they are 2-0 in conference play against Iowa and Wisconsin. The Wolverines are shooting over 51% from the field and they are scoring 84 points per game, but their defense has allowed 87 and 89 points in their last two losses. This is definitely not an ideal spot for Michigan with the long travel, but they are the much better team in my opinion and I think they are going to run away with this game in the second half. Take Michigan to cover on the road. 

David Racey's Pick: Michigan -5.5