You just can’t keep USC down. Despite facing a 12-point second-half deficit to SMU in the Round of 64, the Trojans came roaring back and won 66-65. That is the 13th time this season USC has been down double-digit points only to emerge victorious. This tactic may not be too wise when USC faces off against a powerful, physical team like the Baylor Bears on Sunday.
- Baylor is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games as a favorite of 6.5 or more.
- USC is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games against the Big 12.
- USC is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games in March.
We learned two truths about USC during games against Providence and SMU. One is that you can never count the Trojans out. And the second is that they will chuck threes until they hit them. USC has gone 15-for-47 from deep through its first two games of the tournament and a large volume of the successful attempts came in the second half. Bennie Boatwright has been the Trojans’ most consistent performer so far, as the sophomore has averaged 19 points and six rebounds in the tourney.
Baylor did what Baylor does against New Mexico State, as the Bears methodically pounded away until they eventually cruised to a victory. It’s the long game, as Baylor’s style of play tends to wear on opponents and really shows up in the second half – the Bears were down two points against the No. 14 Aggies before outscoring them 53-33 in the second stanza. Baylor ranks 66th in the nation in average scoring margin in the first half but skyrockets to 16th in second-half scoring margin.
USC Trojans vs Baylor Bears Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
The Baylor Bears are 26-7 so far on the season, and 15-15 ATS vs the number. The USC Trojans, meanwhile, are 26-9 and 18-16 ATS. OVER/UNDER bettors have seen Baylor go 14-16 and the USC Trojans go 16-18 on betting totals.
The Bears - Trojans odds would favor the Bears if the lines were set according to our power ranks. Baylor is rated No. 48 in the current Odds Shark poll, while USC is at No. 145.
Statistical Matchup
Rating these schools in several key categories is important for handicappers and Baylor has the nation's No. 146-rated offensive output, at 73.27 PPG. The visiting USC Trojans defense ranks No. 153 allowing on average 72.89 PPG. The Bears FG% has averaged 47.47% so far, more than the Baylor Trojans marksmen have achieved on the year, 45.35% per game.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
The Trojans got 22 points from Elijah Stewart as USC ran past Southern Methodist 66-65 on Friday at BOK Center.
The Bears got 21 points from Al Freeman as Baylor ran past New Mexico State 91-73 on Friday at BOK Center.
