USC vs Michigan Prediction, Picks & Odds for Today's College Basketball Game

One of the most dominant teams in sports retakes the hardwood on Friday as the Michigan Wolverines host the USC Trojans.

Dusty May’s squad has been laying waste to the competition in impressive fashion, but it’s the total that I have my eye on with tonight's USC vs. Michigan predictions.

Advertisement

See why I’m playing the Over with my college basketball picks for Friday, January 2.

USC vs Michigan prediction

USC vs Michigan best bet: Over 172. 5 (-110)

There’s good, there’s great, and then there’s the Michigan Wolverines. The undefeated group has been on a legendary heater, winning its last nine games by an average margin of 36.1 points.

The offense has been unreal, topping 100 in six of its last seven games. It’s hard to see the Wolverines slowing down any time soon, especially with a home game at the Crisler Center against a ranked opponent.

Five different players average double digits, and three more average between 8.2 and 9.8 PPG. That kind of balanced scoring is proving too difficult for opponents to defend because they can get beaten from anywhere by anyone.

Advertisement

Efficiency is also off the charts as each of the top three scorers (Yaxel Lendeborg, Morez Johnson Jr., Aday Mara) shoots at least 59% from the floor.

Both teams like to push the pace, which should lead to a game with a ton of possessions. Michigan ranks seventh in adjusted tempo (per KenPom) while the USC Trojans aren’t far behind at 54th.

The Trojans have hit the Over in six of their last seven games, and there should be plenty of points yet again on Friday. I’m taking the Over despite the high total.

USC vs Michigan same-game parlay

The Wolverines have been extremely profitable for bettors, cashing against the spread in eight consecutive games. When a team is on a run like that, it’s generally best to avoid trying to "catch the falling knife." Either back them while the run lasts, or stand idle.

Advertisement

USC hasn’t been great to start games, covering the first-half spread in just 15 of its last 34 games. It’s tough to envision the Trojans bucking that trend against the hottest team in the land.

USC vs Michigan SGP

• Over 172.5

• Michigan -22.5

• Michigan 1H -13.5

Our beyond the arc SGP: Slow to Start, Quick to Finish

This is a contrarian SGP betting on the first-half Under coming through, but the full game total Over still cashing. How does that work?

USC has hit the first-half Under in nine of its last 15 games, but generally tends to hit the full game Over (22-12 O/U in its last 34 games). That trend could continue against a very tough opponent on the road.

Advertisement

USC vs Michigan SGP

• Over 172.5

• Michigan -22.5

• Under 82 in the first half

USC vs Michigan odds

• Spread: USC +22.5 (-110) | Michigan -22.5 (-110)

• Moneyline: USC +1800 | Michigan -8000

• Over/Under: Over 172.5 (-110) | Under 172.5 (-110)

USC vs Michigan betting trend to know

USC has gone Over the total in six of its last seven games. Find more college basketball betting trends for USC vs. Michigan.

How to watch USC vs Michigan

USC vs Michigan key injuries

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here