USC (17-17) vs Villanova (20-14)
Game Info: Thursday, April 3, 2025 at 9:30 pm (MGM Grand Garden Arena)
Betting Odds: USC +0.0001 -- Over/Under: 0.0001 Click Here for the Latest Odds
Where to Watch: FS1
In this article, we will formulate a Villanova vs USC prediction for this College Basketball game on Thursday, April 3, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, NV. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this game in the quarterfinals of the CBC Tournament. The winner of this game will meet Cincinnati or UCF in the semifinals.
Villanova Wildcats Betting Preview
The Villanova Wildcats (20-14, 18-16 ATS) finished the regular season with three wins in four games; the only loss came to Georgetown. Villanova went to the Big East tournament as the No. 6 seed and defeated Seton Hall in the first round but was powerless against UConn in the second round. The Wildcats destroyed the Colorado Buffaloes 85-64 in the first round of the CBC.
Villanova is averaging 73.7 PPG (192nd) and is allowing 67.4 PPG (50th). The Wildcats are getting 33.8 RPG (309th) and dishing out 12.6 APG (302nd). Eric Dixon is the team’s top performer with 23.0 PPG, 5.1 RPG, and 2.0 APG. Wooga Poplar has 14.7 PPG, a team-high 6.9 RPG, and a team-high 1.3 APG, while Jordan Longino contributes 11.7 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 2.3 APG, and 1.1 SPG.
USC Trojans Betting Preview
The USC Trojans (17-17, 15-19 ATS) have been playing poorly late in the season, as they lost six of the final seven games. The Trojans entered the Big Ten tournament as the No. 14 seed and made a little upset with a double-overtime win against Rutgers in the first round. USC was competitive in the second round against Purdue, but the Boilermakers won 76-71. USC had no issues with Tulane in the first round of the CBC, securing a comfortable 89-60 victory.
USC averages 77.2 PPG (93rd) and allows 75.0 PPG (272nd). The Trojans are 395th in rebounds (31.5) and 68th in assists (15.6). Desmond Claude leads the team with 16.0 PPG, 3.6 RPG, and 4.3 APG. Wesley Yates III follows him with 14.1 PPG, 2.9 RPG, and 1.2 SPG, while Chibuzo Agbo chips in 11.8 PPG, 4.5 RPG, and 1.0 SPG.
Why Villanova will beat USC
- Villanova has won 24 of its last 26 night games against non-AP-ranked opponents at a neutral venue.
- USC has lost four of its last five games against non-conference opponents at neutral venues.
- Villanova has won the first half in each of its last seven night games against non-AP-ranked opponents at a neutral venue.
Why USC will beat Villanova
- USC has won each of its last four games against non-conference opponents.
- USC has won the first half in each of its last four games against non-conference opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Villanova's last 15 games against non-AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 150 or fewer points.
- Seven of USC's last eight night games against non-AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 152+ points.
Matchup/League Facts
- USC ranks 28th among Division 1 teams for field goal percentage this season (48.2%).
- USC ranks 44th among Division 1 teams for true shooting percentage this season (58.7%).
- Villanova is the only team to ranks in the top-five for both three-point percentage and free throw percentage this season.
- Villanova ranks 2nd among Division 1 teams for three-point percentage this season (39.8%).
Villanova vs USC Prediction
Villanova won the lone H2H encounter so far when the Wildcats beat the Trojans 94-79 back in 2013. Villanova is a slightly better team, thanks to its defense, while USC doesn't care much about defensive duties. I like Over/Under records of these teams this season; Villanova is 20-14, and USC is 24-10. Villanova has hit the Game Total Over in 20 of its last 34 games, while the Wildcats have hit the Team Total Under in 12 of their previous 19 games. Additionally, USC has hit the Game Total Over in 23 of its last 33 games, while the Trojans have hit the Team Total Over in 18 of their previous 25 games. I am going with Over.
Oliver’s Pick Over 151.5
AUTHOR: Oliver Zivic
