Cal at USC odds, picks and predictions

The Cal Golden Bears (2-1) put on USC Trojans (3-0) Sunday night. Tip-off from the Galen Center is set for 9:30 PM ET (Big Ten Network). Let’s analyze the BetMGM Sportsbook college basketball odds around Cal vs. USC oddsand make our expert college basketball picks and predictions.

Cal stepped into a bear trap in an 85-69 loss at the Vanderbilt Commodores on Wednesday. They failed to cover as 7.5-point dogs in the affair. G Andrej Stojakovic had 17 points and 6 boards. If that name looks familiar, it’s because he’s the son of Sacramento Kings legend Peja Stojakovic.

USC was pushed to its limits in its last 2 games. They failed to cover as 24-point and 16-point favorites in home wins over the Idaho State Bengals (75-69) and UT-Arlington Mavericks (98-95). G Desmond Claude had 26 points, 8 assists and 5 boards Wednesday against UTA.

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Cal vs. USC odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting for a complete list of college basketball odds Lines last updated at 12:36 p.m. ET.

• Moneyline (ML): Cal +280 (bet $100 to win $280) | USC -375 (bet $375 to win $100)
• Against the spread (ATS): Cal +8.5 (-110) | USC -8.5 (-110)
• Over/Under (O/U): 152.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Cal at USC picks and predictions

Forecast

USC 85, Cal 81

Moneyline

As USC has underplayed its opponents, I would be afraid to risk -150 on them. So -375 isn’t even a question. I’m looking for Stojakovic to do a show in SoCal. He hasn’t shot for a high percentage from beyond the arc, but he has 2 triples in each of the last 2 games. Offering plus money for him to do this really feels in the wheelhouse. He is a 6-foot-7 sophomore with the pedigree of the center. This could be the place he introduces himself.

Take ANDREJ STOJAKOVIC OVER 1.5 THREE-POINTERS (+110).

Against the spread

It’s a little off-putting that they couldn’t hang with Vandy, but I read more into USC not being able to put away smaller teams. This 8.5-point cushion is more than enough. Cal won the last meeting 83-77 in OT last February.

Take CAL +8.5 (-110).

Over/Under

Both teams are 2-1 O/U. USC allowed UT-Arlington to shoot 16-for-24 (66%) from downtown in its last game. And that supports my Stojakovic position and tells you all you need to know about this OVER 152.5 (-115) strikes.

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