NCAAB: USC vs #19 Washington State Odds, and Picks (Feb 29)

• USC bounced back on the road against UCLA, taking them down 62-56.
• Washington State had their win streak snapped at Arizona State on Saturday.
• These two teams last met on February 2, 2023, in a game that USC won 80-70.

Selection Sunday is just a few weeks away! Let’s look at the upcoming matchup between the USC Trojans and the Washington State Cougars. Washington State is closing in on their first tourney bid since 2007-08.

How to Watch

• Pac-12 Network

Preview

USC has begun to heat back up after a tumultuous 1-8 stretch dropped them to last place in the Pac-12. They’ve won two of their last three games, defeating bubble hopefuls in Utah and UCLA, and coming up just short against Colorado. They get a rematch here against the team that started their 1-8 slide, but face an uphill battle on the road. The Trojans will continue to rely on G Boogie Ellis to lead the way on offense.

Washington State had their 8-game win streak snapped at Arizona State on Saturday. After sweeping #4 Arizona on Thursday, the Cougars showed some signs of fatigue over the weekend. Despite the loss, they remain on track to return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 16 years. They currently project as an 8-seed, giving them a bit of cushion before the bubble. G Jaylen Wells has been sensational from three.

Prediction

This Pac-12 matchup should favor Washington State, who has risen into the top-20 with their excellent recent play. That being said, USC has also been playing much better basketball of late, especially on offense. That could pose a challenge for a defensive team like the Cougars, who are more streaky on offense. Ultimately, I do see Washington State pulling away late and picking up a key victory at home.

NCAAB Picks:

• Washington State 72, USC 63 (WSU -7.5)