The Southern California Trojans are set to host the Oregon Ducks in a non-conference matchup that could have real consequences for both teams' tournament hopes, with USC averaging 76.6 points per game over their last five contests. The Trojans have been inconsistent lately, going 3-2 in their last five games, including a 78-75 win over Indiana and a 77-75 win over Penn State, but also suffering losses to Illinois and Ohio State. Meanwhile, the Ducks have struggled to find their footing, losing four of their last five games, including a 44-61 loss to Minnesota and a 64-68 loss to Purdue, while averaging just 66.2 points per game over that stretch. Oregon's recent form has been marked by a lack of scoring punch, with the team being outscored by 9.2 points per game over their last five contests.
As the Trojans look to build on their recent wins, they'll need to contain Oregon's offense, which has been stagnant lately, scoring just 74 points against Indiana and 66 points against Iowa. The Ducks have also struggled on the defensive end, allowing 75.4 points per game over their last five contests, including 92 points to Indiana and 84 points to Iowa. USC, on the other hand, has been more explosive on offense, scoring 81 points against Indiana and 78 points against Rutgers, but has also given up 83 points per game over their last five contests, including 101 points to Illinois and 89 points to Ohio State. The Trojans must find a way to balance their offense and defense if they want to come out on top against the Ducks.
Oregon's Struggles on the Road
The matchup between USC and Oregon will feature several key players who could make a significant impact on the game. For the Trojans, players like Boogie Ellis and Drew Peterson have been instrumental in the team's recent successes, with Ellis averaging 17.5 points per game over his last five contests and Peterson averaging 14.2 points per game over the same stretch. Meanwhile, the Ducks will rely on players like Will Richardson and Quincy Guerrier, who have been struggling to find their rhythm lately, with Richardson averaging just 10.5 points per game over his last five contests and Guerrier averaging 12.1 points per game over the same stretch. The matchup between these players matters in determining the outcome of the game, with the Trojans looking to exploit Oregon's defensive weaknesses and the Ducks seeking to contain USC's high-powered offense.
The Trojans have been playing with a sense of urgency lately, knowing that they need to win games like this to solidify their tournament resume. With a 7-8 record in conference play, USC is still very much in the mix for a tournament bid, but they can't afford to slip up against teams like Oregon. The Ducks, on the other hand, are desperate for a quality win to boost their own tournament hopes, and a win over USC would be a huge boost to their resume. The Trojans have been outscored by 6.4 points per game over their last five contests, but they've managed to go 3-2 over that stretch, including wins over Indiana and Penn State. Oregon, meanwhile, has been outscored by 9.2 points per game over their last five contests, and they'll need to find a way to reverse that trend if they want to come out on top against USC.
CHD Scout Prediction
Oregon
71
USC
81
The CHD Scout prediction has USC winning by 10.2 points, with an 80.6% win probability, and it's easy to see why. The Trojans have been the more consistent team lately, with a stronger offense and a more balanced roster. USC has also been better at home, with a 12-3 record at the Galen Center, while Oregon has struggled on the road, with a 2-10 record away from home. The Trojans have also been better at containing opposing offenses, allowing just 69.5 points per game at home, while the Ducks have given up an average of 76.5 points per game on the road. With USC's offense clicking and their defense stifling, it's hard to see the Ducks keeping up, especially given their recent struggles on the road.
The Trojans must be careful not to overlook the Ducks, however, as Oregon has shown flashes of brilliance lately, including an 83-72 win over Penn State. The Ducks have also been competitive in several of their losses, including a 64-68 loss to Purdue and a 66-84 loss to Iowa. If Oregon can find a way to contain USC's offense and get their own offense going, they could make this a closer game than expected. The Ducks have been working to address their defensive struggles, allowing 75.4 points per game over their last five contests, and they'll need to find a way to slow down the Trojans' high-powered offense if they want to come out on top. USC, meanwhile, must find a way to balance their offense and defense, as they've been giving up 83 points per game over their last five contests.
A win for USC would be a significant boost to their tournament resume, as it would give them a quality win over a Power Five opponent. The Trojans are already solidly in the tournament field, but a win over Oregon would help to cement their position and potentially even move them up a seed line. For Oregon, a win would be a huge upset, and would give them a much-needed quality win to boost their own tournament hopes. The Ducks are currently on the outside looking in, but a win over USC would give them a chance to get back into the conversation. A loss, on the other hand, would be a significant setback, and would make it even harder for Oregon to make a push for the tournament. The Ducks have been working to build their resume, but they'll need to find a way to win games like this if they want to make a serious push for the tournament.
The Trojans have been working to address their defensive struggles, allowing 83 points per game over their last five contests, and they'll need to find a way to slow down the Ducks' offense if they want to come out on top. Oregon, meanwhile, must find a way to contain USC's high-powered offense, which has been averaging 76.6 points per game over their last five contests. The matchup between these two teams will be a crucial one, with both teams looking to make a statement and boost their tournament hopes. With the Trojans looking to solidify their position in the tournament field and the Ducks seeking to make a push for the tournament, this game has all the makings of a thrilling matchup. The Trojans have a 12-3 record at the Galen Center, while the Ducks have a 2-10 record away from home, so USC want to use their home-court advantage to their benefit.
HEADLINE: Southern California Trojans Host Oregon Ducks in Crucial Non-Conference Matchup SUBHEADLINE: The Trojans are averaging 76.6 points per game over their last five contests, while the Ducks are averaging just 66.2 points per game over the same stretch, setting up a crucial matchup with real consequences for both teams' tournament hopes.