The Connecticut Huskies face their toughest test of the young NCAA basketball season as they tangle with the USC Trojans on Thursday at the Roman Legends Classic at Mohegan Sun Arena. The Huskies (2-0 SU, 1-1 ATS) are coming off a defensive gem against Hartford but are only slim favorites against a USC side (3-0 SU, 2-1 ATS) that has opened with three straight wins.
- Date/Time: December 3, 7 p.m. ET
- Arena: Mohegan Sun Arena
- TV Coverage: ESPN
- Sportsbook Odds: Connecticut -1 | O/U 143.5 (Line History)
- UConn vs USC Matchup Report
Sportsbook Odds Analysis
The Huskies are a 1-point favorite Thursday, with the Sportsbook odds holding steady so far. The total kicked off at 143.5 but has since dipped to either 142 or 142.5 depending on your sportsbook.
Connecticut News & Notes
The Huskies overcame a mediocre offensive showing against rival Hartford by completely suffocating the Hawks, limiting them to 32 percent shooting from the field and 26.7 percent from three-point territory.
It was a significantly better defensive showing than the season opener, when UConn allowed Central Connecticut to convert half its shots in a 102-75 Huskies victory.
The Huskies are led by sophomore guard James Bouknight, who has averaged 19.0 points through the first two games despite shooting just 27.3 percent from long range (he shot 34.7 percent from deep as a freshman).
Isaiah Whaley anchors the UConn frontcourt, averaging 11 points and 8.5 rebounds; he had 10 points, 10 boards and five blocks in the win over Hartford.
USC News & Notes
The Trojans relied on their brother act to extend their unbeaten run with a 79-53 rout of Brigham Young last time out. Evan Mobley (17 points, 11 rebounds) and Isaiah Mobley (11 points, 11 rebounds) posted double-doubles in limited action for USC; the dynamic duo has combined to average 26.6 points and 20.3 rebounds for the Trojans through the first three games.
If the Mobley brothers’ stellar play isn’t enough of a concern for the Huskies, they’ll also have to contend with Drew Peterson. The standout junior is off to a great start, averaging 14.7 points and 4.7 rebounds while shooting a sizzling 63.6 percent from the floor and 62.5 percent from three-point range. He had 19 points on 70 percent shooting in the win over the Cougars.
Betting Pick: USC +1 (-110)
We’re not sure how the Huskies will deal with the dominance of the Mobley brothers, so we’re riding with the Trojans to capitalize on their frontcourt edge and continue their unbeaten start.
- UConn is shooting 50.4 percent over its first 2 games.
- The Trojans average 47 rebounds per game, tied for 19th nationally.
- The Mobleys have combined for 61 of USC’s 141 rebounds.
