USC (1-0) vs Idaho State (0-1)
November 7, 2024 at 10:00 PM EST
The Line: Betting Odds: USC -23.5 / Idaho State +23.5 — Over/Under: 138.5
The Idaho State Bengals and the USC Trojans meet Thursday in college basketball action from the Galen Center. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s an Idaho State vs. USC prediction.
Idaho State Recap
The Idaho State Bengals come into this one looking to rebound after a frustrating 55-48 loss to Arizona State last time out. After this game, Idaho State will head home for a game against subdivision Southern Oregon.
Bengals Looking To Wake Up Offensively
Isaiah Griffin had a team-high 12 points on 4 of 12 shooting with 2 threes along with 7 rebounds while Jake O’Neil had 10 points on 5 of 13 shooting with a team-high 11 rebounds. Connor Hollenbeck added 10 points on 4 of 9 shooting with 5 rebounds to cap off the trio of double-digit scorers for the Bengals in the losing effort. As a team, Idaho State is averaging 48 PPG on 25.4% shooting from the field, 14.3% from three, and 76.9% from the foul line this season.
Why the Idaho State Bengals will win
- Idaho State has won each of its last six Thursday night games against non-conference opponents.
- USC has lost three of its last four night games at Galen Center following a home win.
USC Recap
The USC Trojans come into this one looking to build on a 77-51 win over Chattanooga last time out. After this game, USC will meet UT-Arlington and California.
Trojans Stifle Mocs
Chibuzo Agbo led the Trojans with 14 points on 5 of 11 shooting with 4 threes while Matt Knowling had 13 points on a perfect 6 of 6 shooting with a team-high 4 assists as the only other double-digit scorer for the Trojans in the winning effort. Saint Thomas also added 9 points with a team-high 5 rebounds and 4 assists in the victory. As a team, USC is averaging 77 points on 50% shooting from the field, 32% from three and 71.4% from the foul line this season.
Why the USC Trojans will win
- Idaho State has lost each of its last six road games against non-conference opponents.
- USC has won each of its last five games against the Big Sky Conference.
Idaho State vs. USC Prediction
I’m on USC here. The Trojans I think are a team that’s probably going to have a bit of a hard time in the Big Ten this season, making that transition, but in early-season matchups against inferior opposition, I don’t see it being much of an issue. Idaho State didn’t look very good against Arizona State, and I think they’re going to have trouble keeping up with a better offensive unit here. Give me USC.