Sooners look to upset Trojans in Basketball Hall of Fame Classic

The Oklahoma Sooners will meet the USC Trojans in the marquee matchup at the Basketball Hall of Fame Classic in Los Angeles. The Sooners are 6-1 SU this season and are led by superstar freshman Trae Young. Oklahoma opened as the slightest road dog to take down USC tonight.

SHARK BITES
  • Oklahoma is 7-2 SU in its last nine games against the Pac-12.
  • The total has gone UNDER in six of USC’s last eight games against the Big 12.
  • Oklahoma is 1-4 ATS in its last five games.

The Trojans are coming off back-to-back losses early this season and will be in desperation mode to get the victory. USC is ranked 25th nationally and if losses keep piling up, their chances of making the tourney in March will take a hit. In both losses this season, the Trojans were either tied or in the lead at halftime and proceeded to lose by double digits. Their perimeter defense will be put to the test to stop the Sooners, who average just over 94 points per game and shoot 50 percent from the floor.

Trae Young has been a revelation for the Oklahoma program. The freshman leads the nation in scoring at 28.7 points per game and can drop some dimes too as evidenced by his 8.7 assists per game. Where the Sooners get in trouble is on the perimeter, where they allow opposing teams to score on 38 percent of their three-point attempts. If the Sooners plan to emerge victorious, they’ll need to step up their defense on all fronts as they allow just under 80 points per game to opposing teams.

The total opened at 164.5 and bettors should seriously consider the OVER. The total has gone OVER in six of the Sooners’ seven games this season and as mentioned, they aren’t exactly locking it down on the defensive end. If USC can cure its second-half scoring woes, this game could potentially top 200 points.

Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick

The Oklahoma Sooners opened as 1-point underdogs in this one at most sportsbooks tracked at OddsShark, including Sportsbook. The total was set to open a bit later; check out Sportsbook for the latest situation.

Oklahoma Sooners vs USC Trojans Matchup

Team Betting Records & Power Rankings

The Oklahoma Sooners will try to spoil the party and cover the point spread on Friday; they are 2-5 against the betting line this season, while the USC Trojans are 3-3 ATS. The Sooners are 6-1 on betting the total; the Trojans are 1-5.

This game puts the Trojans, most recently No. 33 in the OddsShark power rankings, up against the Sooners, who rate No. 37 in the latest survey.

Statistical Matchup

Rating these schools in several key categories is important for handicappers and USC has the nation's No. 88-rated offensive output, at 79.8 PPG. The visiting Oklahoma Sooners defense ranks No. 237 allowing on average 80.2 PPG. The Trojans FG% has averaged 41.96% so far, less than the Sooners marksmen have achieved on the year, 51.05% per game.

Recent Outings Betting Recap

The Sooners got 28 points from Trae Young as Oklahoma ran past UTSA 97-85 on Monday at Lloyd Noble Center.

USC suffered a 72-55 loss against Southern Methodist on Saturday, getting 13 points from Chimezie Metu in a losing effort at Moody Coliseum-Dallas.

Betting Trends
  • Oklahoma is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
  • Oklahoma is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
  • The total has gone OVER in 7 of Oklahoma's last 8 games
  • USC is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games
  • USC is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games

Next Betting Matchups

Oklahoma at Wichita State, Saturday, December 16
USC at Santa Clara, Thursday, December 14

Oklahoma is 7-2 SU in its last nine games against the Pac-12. The total has gone UNDER in six of USC’s last eight games against the Big 12. Oklahoma is 1-4 ATS in its last five games.
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