Free NCAA Hoops Pick: Miami vs. USC CBB Odds
Looking for Miami Hurricanes vs. USC Trojans NCAA basketball free picks & CBB odds? CBB betting sees the Hurricanes taking on the Trojans on Friday, March 18, 2022, at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, SC. Cappers Picks provides complimentary expert handicapping picks on all college basketball matchups all season long so stay tuned for more FREE daily NCAA basketball predictions like this Hurricanes Trojans matchup.
2022 NCAA Basketball Handicapping
(23-10) Miami Hurricanes vs. USC Trojans (26-7)
Date: Friday, March 18, 2022
Time: 3:15 PM ET
Venue: Bon Secours Wellness Arena
CBB Moneyline Odds: Hurricanes +110 / USC -130
CBB Betting ATS Odds: Hurricanes +1.5 / Trojans -1.5 (Bet Now!)
CBB Betting Total: O/U 139.5
We have round if 64 March Madness action on tap as the 10th seeded Miami Hurricanes battle the 7th seeded USC Trojans.
This contest takes place in the Midwest region first round held at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena. The Trojans are a slim -1.5 point favorite for their latest big matchup after finishing Pac 12 play 14-6. Miami counters with a 14-6 ACC record.
Some might say the ACC, which offers five NCAA Tournament squads this year compared with the Pac 12’s three, is the superior conference, and the reason why most experts feel an upset could easily transpire today between Miami and USC.
The total is set at 139.5, though Miami does struggle to limit opposing offense.
Miami Hurricanes
Miami completed one of college basketball’s most complete turnarounds this year after finishing 10-17 last season. Efficient offense helped Jim Larranaga and Co. parlay an early 5-0 ACC start into the program’s first big dance invite since 2018, which was also Miami’s last season above .500.
Now respected by national pundits, the Hurricanes’s Net ranks 62nd, and is topped off by a 4-3 mark vs. quadrant one fare. Highlight wins for the ‘Canes this year include W’s over North Texas, Wake Forest, Duke, UNC, and Virginia Tech. Each of those victories showcased scoring punch for this rising Atlantic Coast group.
Overall, Miami averages 110.5 points per 100 possessions and allows 104.9. That defensive number could prove problematic against solid two-way USC execution. While the Hurricanes net 47/35/74% shooting, it also allows 46/35% return fire from the field and outside. Further, Miami’s 30.5 rebounds per game are overshadowed by USC’s 40 2 TRB.
I believe the ‘Canes could easily lose vital possessions on the glass Friday as USC’s credible shooters exploit a prone Miami defense. Although certain CBB experts think the Hurricanes are good for an upset over Southern Cal, the numbers say otherwise.
USC Trojans
Although USC didn’t make the expected jump toward national elite status following their succesful run last spring, the Trojans did offer the nation’s 23rd best group this regular season. Ranked 35th in official Net, the Trojans fared better than today’s opponent against quad 1 & 2 challenges after carving a 9-5 record vs. those notables.
Sporting balanced production, USC minted highlight wins this winter against Temple, San Diego State, Long Beach State, Colorado, UCLA and Oregon. On further review, that list isn’t quite as impressive as some of Miami’s wins. Nevertheless, even after being swept by .500 Stanford, the powers that be decided the Trojans are a seven line -while Joe Lunardi remains unimpressed by USC’s work.
To wit, there are always strong ‘for and against’ cases for these lower-seeded at-large bids. That stated, the Trojans average 106.8 points per 100 possessions and allow 97. Both numbers rank among CBB’s top 100. USC shoots 45/35/66%. However, major Trojan strengths include the team’s rebounding efficiency and the fact it holds opponents to 38% shooting.
CBB Betting Trends:
- Trojans are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 NCAA Tournament games as a favorite.
- Trojans are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 NCAA Tournament games.
Free Miami Hurricanes vs. USC Trojans NCAAB Betting Prediction:
A case can be made for Miami’s big guns to reign over a somewhat underachieving USC group. However, USC holds a massive rebounding edge tonight, and can also limit the Hurricanes from inside the arc.
When weighing each factor, I believe the Trojans can effectively control the glass and grind out a narrow win over their first round opponent on Friday.
4* Free CBB Betting Pick: USC -1.5
If you’re looking for more College basketball picks like this Miami Hurricanes vs. USC Trojans matchup we’ll be providing 4* free college basketball predictions on the blog all season long, and check out our Experts for guaranteed premium & free NCAAB Hoops picks!
Register here for a FREE CBB Betting Account Now for Daily Free Picks & More Special Offers!