USC Trojans vs UCLA Bruins Prediction, Odds and Picks for Saturday, 03/08/25

A grueling 20-game B1G schedule comes to a close this weekend, and we head to the Pauley Pavilion for a USC Trojans vs UCLA Bruins prediction. These classic rivals are now facing off on the final day of the season in a new conference, and the season may well be on the line for the Trojans. The B1G tournament only takes 15 teams, and USC is at risk of missing the field if they drop this game. The Bruins, on the other hand, are playing for tournament seeding, and they will also be looking to close the season strong on senior day. UCLA took the first meeting, 82-76, in a game that saw much hotter shooting than expected. I expect the score to come down in the rematch, but I do still expect the game to stay close, and that is why I am taking the points with the Trojans. Give me USC +9.5.

The Trojans have struggled this season, and their win over lowly Washington this week broke a 5-game skid. Still, the metrics guys have USC in the top 60, so it’s not like this is a bad team. This is a team that is much better on the offensive side than the defensive side, and they have some serious rebounding issues. Yet on the other side, the Bruins play at such a deliberate pace in their defense-first scheme that they are not likely to blow the Trojans off the floor. If the Trojans can somehow hold their own on the glass, they should be able to stay in this game. Given the obvious motivation spot for the Trojans, coupled with the deliberate style of play of the Bruins, I can see this game staying close throughout. The first meeting was a 1-possession game in the final minute, and this one could go about the same. I’ll take the points.

USC vs UCLA Prediction: USC +9.5 (-110) available at the time of publishing, Playable at that number.