{"id":41218,"date":"2026-11-11T09:42:46","date_gmt":"2026-11-11T14:42:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wagertalk.com\/news\/?p=41218"},"modified":"2026-11-11T09:42:48","modified_gmt":"2026-11-11T14:42:48","slug":"usc-vs-california-predictions-picks-and-odds-november-11-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wagertalk.com\/news\/college-basketball\/usc-vs-california-predictions-picks-and-odds-november-11-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"USC vs California Predictions, Picks and Odds | November 11, 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Two players scoring 30-plus points in the same game is rare, yet USC pulled it off on Sunday, and that kind of firepower is why this <strong>USC vs California prediction<\/strong> could turn into a track meet. The Trojans are pouring in 94 points per game under Eric Musselman and arrive in Berkeley tonight after a 93-86 shootout win over Wichita State at Lake Tahoe. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">California answers with a reloaded backcourt, a 44% three-point stroke, and the chance to host a former Pac-12 rival at Haas Pavilion. The spread has climbed from 7.5 to 8.5, giving the Golden Bears a fat cushion. Is that slug of points too generous for a Cal team with this many new weapons? Before you bet, check out our full slate of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wagertalk.com\/free-sports-picks\/college-basketball\">free college basketball picks<\/a>, then dig into the complete breakdown below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Quick Picks and Prediction for USC vs California<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Spread Pick:<\/strong> California +8.5<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Total Pick:<\/strong> Over 161.5<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Projected Final Score:<\/strong> USC 85, California 81<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Odds and Line Movement for USC vs California<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">USC opened as a 7.5-point favorite, and the spread has toggled between -7.5 and -8.5 before settling at -8.5. The money favors USC at 69%, while 67% of the tickets are on Cal. The total opened at 160.5, touched 162.5, and now sits at 161.5, with 100% of the public money on the Under. Monitor every shift with our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wagertalk.com\/odds\">live odds<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Opening Odds<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Team<\/th><th>Spread<\/th><th>Total<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>USC<\/td><td>-7\u00bd (-108)<\/td><td>Over 160\u00bd (-110)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>California<\/td><td>+7\u00bd (-112)<\/td><td>Under 160\u00bd (-110)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Current Odds<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Team<\/th><th>Spread<\/th><th>Total<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>USC<\/td><td>-8\u00bd (-110)<\/td><td>Over 161\u00bd (-110)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>California<\/td><td>+8\u00bd (-110)<\/td><td>Under 161\u00bd (-110)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Line Movement &#8211; Spread<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Date<\/th><th>USC<\/th><th>California<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>11\/11<\/td><td>-8\u00bd (-110)<\/td><td>+8\u00bd (-110)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>11\/10<\/td><td>-8\u00bd (-115)<\/td><td>+8\u00bd (-105)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>11\/10<\/td><td>-7\u00bd (-118)<\/td><td>+7\u00bd (-102)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>11\/10<\/td><td>-8\u00bd (-115)<\/td><td>+8\u00bd (-105)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>11\/10<\/td><td>-8\u00bd (-108)<\/td><td>+8\u00bd (-112)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>11\/10<\/td><td>-7\u00bd (-118)<\/td><td>+7\u00bd (-102)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>11\/10<\/td><td>-8\u00bd (-108)<\/td><td>+8\u00bd (-112)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>11\/10<\/td><td>-7\u00bd (-115)<\/td><td>+7\u00bd (-105)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>11\/10<\/td><td>-7\u00bd (-108)<\/td><td>+7\u00bd (-112)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Line Movement &#8211; Total<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Date<\/th><th>Over<\/th><th>Under<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>11\/11<\/td><td>161\u00bd (-110)<\/td><td>161\u00bd (-110)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>11\/10<\/td><td>161\u00bd (-115)<\/td><td>161\u00bd (-105)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>11\/10<\/td><td>162\u00bd (-105)<\/td><td>162\u00bd (-115)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>11\/10<\/td><td>161\u00bd (-115)<\/td><td>161\u00bd (-105)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>11\/10<\/td><td>162\u00bd (-105)<\/td><td>162\u00bd (-115)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>11\/10<\/td><td>161\u00bd (-115)<\/td><td>161\u00bd (-105)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>11\/10<\/td><td>161\u00bd (-112)<\/td><td>161\u00bd (-108)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>11\/10<\/td><td>161\u00bd (-108)<\/td><td>161\u00bd (-112)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>11\/10<\/td><td>160\u00bd (-110)<\/td><td>160\u00bd (-110)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/splashsports.com\/wagertalk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wagertalk.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/WagerTalk-NFL-Pickem-20K-Promotion-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40691\" style=\"width:644px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wagertalk.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/WagerTalk-NFL-Pickem-20K-Promotion-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.wagertalk.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/WagerTalk-NFL-Pickem-20K-Promotion-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.wagertalk.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/WagerTalk-NFL-Pickem-20K-Promotion-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.wagertalk.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/WagerTalk-NFL-Pickem-20K-Promotion-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.wagertalk.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/WagerTalk-NFL-Pickem-20K-Promotion.png 1672w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">USC vs California Key Matchups and Handicap<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">USC\u2019s Up-Tempo Scoring Machine<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is still early, but USC may play a lot of games that look like Sunday\u2019s 93-86 shootout over Wichita State at Lake Tahoe. Eric Musselman has so many scorers at his disposal that the Trojans cannot wait to push the ball upcourt and get into their offense. USC is averaging 94 points per game through its first two contests, and the challenge for Musselman now is making sure all of that talent remembers there is only one ball to share.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">SC Stars Alijah Arenas and Rodney Rice<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">More often than not, USC\u2019s offense will be the Alijah Arenas and Rodney Rice show. Both guards scored more than 30 points in the win over the Shockers, giving the Trojans a dynamic backcourt duo capable of carrying the offense on any given night. The freshman Ratliff twins, 6-11 Adonis and 7-foot Darius, have also already reached double figures, adding size and scoring punch to an already loaded rotation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">USC Press and Depth<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The depth on Musselman\u2019s roster allows USC to press aggressively whenever the mood strikes. The Trojans\u2019 quickness forced 20 Wichita State turnovers on Sunday, turning defensive pressure into extra possessions and easy points. That pressure will be a key test for a California team that has already shown it can get sloppy against aggressive defenses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">California Battle-Tested by Houston<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cal already faced an even more intense version of defensive pressure when it took on top-10 Houston on Sunday at the same Lake Tahoe venue. The Golden Bears committed 16 turnovers against the Cougars, struggling with their own brand of sloppiness. That experience, however, should help Mark Madsen\u2019s team handle USC\u2019s press. In front of their home crowd in Berkeley, the Bears should be able to get into their half-court offense more quickly and comfortably than they did against Houston.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">CAL Portal Class Delivering in the Backcourt<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Madsen had questions in the backcourt entering the season, and the transfer portal class is already providing answers. Former Wright State guard Michael Cooper is averaging 19.7 points per game, former Pitt guard Nojus Indrusaitis is scoring 18.7 points per game, and former Georgia guard Jordan Ross is adding 11.7 points per game. All three have hit the ground running, giving California multiple perimeter options capable of matching USC basket for basket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Golden Bears Shooting and Haas Pavilion Edge<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There appear to be plenty of shooters in Madsen\u2019s new mix, as California is connecting on 44% of its three-pointers in the early going. Add in the motivation of hosting a former and much-disliked Pac-12 foe at Haas Pavilion, a reminder of the old conference days, and the Bears have every reason to bring maximum energy. With this many new weapons contributing, the points on offer make California a very intriguing option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Betting Trends: SC vs CAL<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>USC is averaging 94 points per game through its first two games.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>USC beat Wichita State 93-86 at Lake Tahoe on Sunday.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Alijah Arenas and Rodney Rice each scored 30-plus points against Wichita State.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>USC forced 20 turnovers against Wichita State.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>California committed 16 turnovers against top-10 Houston at Lake Tahoe.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>California is shooting 44% from three-point range this season.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Michael Cooper (19.7 ppg), Nojus Indrusaitis (18.7 ppg), and Jordan Ross (11.7 ppg) lead California\u2019s transfer class.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The spread opened at USC -7.5 and moved to -8.5.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Public spread betting shows 69% of the money on USC and 67% of the tickets on California.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The total opened at 160.5, reached 162.5, and sits at 161.5, with 100% of the public money and tickets on the Under.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key Injuries and Notes: SC vs CAL<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>USC:<\/strong> No notable absences have been reported heading into this matchup.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>California:<\/strong> No notable absences have been reported heading into this matchup.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Roster Note:<\/strong> USC\u2019s freshman Ratliff twins have both reached double figures early this season.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Schedule Note:<\/strong> Both teams played at Lake Tahoe on Sunday.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Venue:<\/strong> Haas Pavilion in Berkeley, California.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">ATS and Total Picks for USC vs California<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Spread Pick: California +8.5<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">USC has elite scoring talent, but California has the shooters and backcourt depth to keep pace at home. Cal\u2019s portal additions have all produced immediately, its 44% three-point shooting can erase deficits quickly, and its experience against Houston\u2019s pressure should help it handle USC\u2019s press. Getting 8.5 points with a motivated home team in a rivalry-flavored matchup offers strong value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Total Pick: Over 161.5<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">USC wants to play fast and is averaging 94 points per game, while California brings three productive scoring guards and elite early-season three-point shooting. USC\u2019s pressure defense also creates turnovers and transition opportunities that add possessions. With all of the public money on the Under, the value sits with a game that has all the makings of a shootout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">USC vs California Best Bets<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Best Bet:<\/strong> California +8.5 (-110)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Total Bet:<\/strong> Over 161.5 (-110)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Key Edge:<\/strong> California\u2019s 44% three-point shooting and a portal backcourt averaging a combined 50.1 points per game<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Market Signal:<\/strong> Spread rose from -7.5 to -8.5, adding a full point of value to the home underdog<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Final Score Prediction for USC vs California<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">USC\u2019s talent and tempo, led by Arenas and Rice, should make this a high-scoring night in Berkeley. However, California\u2019s new-look backcourt and hot perimeter shooting should keep the Golden Bears within striking distance throughout, with the Trojans winning a shootout by a margin well inside the number.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Projected Final Score:<\/strong> USC 85, California 81<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Spread Pick:<\/strong> California +8.5<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Total Pick:<\/strong> Over 161.5<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Two players scoring 30-plus points in the same game is rare, yet USC pulled it off on Sunday, and that kind of firepower is why this USC vs California prediction could turn into a track meet. The Trojans are pouring in 94 points per game under Eric Musselman and arrive in Berkeley tonight after a [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":41219,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[89],"tags":[18535,18540,18541,18536,18538,18539],"class_list":["post-41218","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-college-basketball","tag-usc-vs-california","tag-usc-vs-california-basketball","tag-usc-vs-california-bets","tag-usc-vs-california-picks","tag-usc-vs-california-predictions","tag-usc-vs-california-preview"],"basic_html":"\n<p>Two players scoring 30-plus points in the same game is rare, yet USC pulled it off on Sunday, and that kind of firepower is why this <strong>USC vs California prediction<\/strong> could turn into a track meet. The Trojans are pouring in 94 points per game under Eric Musselman and arrive in Berkeley tonight after a 93-86 shootout win over Wichita State at Lake Tahoe. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>California answers with a reloaded backcourt, a 44% three-point stroke, and the chance to host a former Pac-12 rival at Haas Pavilion. The spread has climbed from 7.5 to 8.5, giving the Golden Bears a fat cushion. Is that slug of points too generous for a Cal team with this many new weapons? Before you bet, check out our full slate of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wagertalk.com\/free-sports-picks\/college-basketball\">free college basketball picks<\/a>, then dig into the complete breakdown below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Quick Picks and Prediction for USC vs California<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\n\n\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Odds and Line Movement for USC vs California<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>USC opened as a 7.5-point favorite, and the spread has toggled between -7.5 and -8.5 before settling at -8.5. The money favors USC at 69%, while 67% of the tickets are on Cal. The total opened at 160.5, touched 162.5, and now sits at 161.5, with 100% of the public money on the Under. Monitor every shift with our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wagertalk.com\/odds\">live odds<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Opening Odds<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Team<\/th><th>Spread<\/th><th>Total<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>USC<\/td><td>-7\u00bd (-108)<\/td><td>Over 160\u00bd (-110)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>California<\/td><td>+7\u00bd (-112)<\/td><td>Under 160\u00bd (-110)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Current Odds<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Team<\/th><th>Spread<\/th><th>Total<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>USC<\/td><td>-8\u00bd (-110)<\/td><td>Over 161\u00bd (-110)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>California<\/td><td>+8\u00bd (-110)<\/td><td>Under 161\u00bd (-110)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Line Movement - Spread<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Date<\/th><th>USC<\/th><th>California<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>11\/11<\/td><td>-8\u00bd (-110)<\/td><td>+8\u00bd (-110)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>11\/10<\/td><td>-8\u00bd (-115)<\/td><td>+8\u00bd (-105)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>11\/10<\/td><td>-7\u00bd (-118)<\/td><td>+7\u00bd (-102)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>11\/10<\/td><td>-8\u00bd (-115)<\/td><td>+8\u00bd (-105)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>11\/10<\/td><td>-8\u00bd (-108)<\/td><td>+8\u00bd (-112)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>11\/10<\/td><td>-7\u00bd (-118)<\/td><td>+7\u00bd (-102)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>11\/10<\/td><td>-8\u00bd (-108)<\/td><td>+8\u00bd (-112)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>11\/10<\/td><td>-7\u00bd (-115)<\/td><td>+7\u00bd (-105)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>11\/10<\/td><td>-7\u00bd (-108)<\/td><td>+7\u00bd (-112)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Line Movement - Total<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Date<\/th><th>Over<\/th><th>Under<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>11\/11<\/td><td>161\u00bd (-110)<\/td><td>161\u00bd (-110)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>11\/10<\/td><td>161\u00bd (-115)<\/td><td>161\u00bd (-105)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>11\/10<\/td><td>162\u00bd (-105)<\/td><td>162\u00bd (-115)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>11\/10<\/td><td>161\u00bd (-115)<\/td><td>161\u00bd (-105)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>11\/10<\/td><td>162\u00bd (-105)<\/td><td>162\u00bd (-115)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>11\/10<\/td><td>161\u00bd (-115)<\/td><td>161\u00bd (-105)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>11\/10<\/td><td>161\u00bd (-112)<\/td><td>161\u00bd (-108)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>11\/10<\/td><td>161\u00bd (-108)<\/td><td>161\u00bd (-112)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>11\/10<\/td><td>160\u00bd (-110)<\/td><td>160\u00bd (-110)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/splashsports.com\/wagertalk\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.wagertalk.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/WagerTalk-NFL-Pickem-20K-Promotion-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-40691\" style=\"width:644px;height:auto\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">USC vs California Key Matchups and Handicap<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">USC\u2019s Up-Tempo Scoring Machine<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>It is still early, but USC may play a lot of games that look like Sunday\u2019s 93-86 shootout over Wichita State at Lake Tahoe. Eric Musselman has so many scorers at his disposal that the Trojans cannot wait to push the ball upcourt and get into their offense. USC is averaging 94 points per game through its first two contests, and the challenge for Musselman now is making sure all of that talent remembers there is only one ball to share.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">SC Stars Alijah Arenas and Rodney Rice<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>More often than not, USC\u2019s offense will be the Alijah Arenas and Rodney Rice show. Both guards scored more than 30 points in the win over the Shockers, giving the Trojans a dynamic backcourt duo capable of carrying the offense on any given night. The freshman Ratliff twins, 6-11 Adonis and 7-foot Darius, have also already reached double figures, adding size and scoring punch to an already loaded rotation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">USC Press and Depth<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>The depth on Musselman\u2019s roster allows USC to press aggressively whenever the mood strikes. The Trojans\u2019 quickness forced 20 Wichita State turnovers on Sunday, turning defensive pressure into extra possessions and easy points. That pressure will be a key test for a California team that has already shown it can get sloppy against aggressive defenses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">California Battle-Tested by Houston<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>Cal already faced an even more intense version of defensive pressure when it took on top-10 Houston on Sunday at the same Lake Tahoe venue. The Golden Bears committed 16 turnovers against the Cougars, struggling with their own brand of sloppiness. That experience, however, should help Mark Madsen\u2019s team handle USC\u2019s press. In front of their home crowd in Berkeley, the Bears should be able to get into their half-court offense more quickly and comfortably than they did against Houston.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">CAL Portal Class Delivering in the Backcourt<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>Madsen had questions in the backcourt entering the season, and the transfer portal class is already providing answers. Former Wright State guard Michael Cooper is averaging 19.7 points per game, former Pitt guard Nojus Indrusaitis is scoring 18.7 points per game, and former Georgia guard Jordan Ross is adding 11.7 points per game. All three have hit the ground running, giving California multiple perimeter options capable of matching USC basket for basket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Golden Bears Shooting and Haas Pavilion Edge<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>There appear to be plenty of shooters in Madsen\u2019s new mix, as California is connecting on 44% of its three-pointers in the early going. Add in the motivation of hosting a former and much-disliked Pac-12 foe at Haas Pavilion, a reminder of the old conference days, and the Bears have every reason to bring maximum energy. With this many new weapons contributing, the points on offer make California a very intriguing option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Betting Trends: SC vs CAL<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key Injuries and Notes: SC vs CAL<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">ATS and Total Picks for USC vs California<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Spread Pick: California +8.5<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>USC has elite scoring talent, but California has the shooters and backcourt depth to keep pace at home. Cal\u2019s portal additions have all produced immediately, its 44% three-point shooting can erase deficits quickly, and its experience against Houston\u2019s pressure should help it handle USC\u2019s press. Getting 8.5 points with a motivated home team in a rivalry-flavored matchup offers strong value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Total Pick: Over 161.5<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>USC wants to play fast and is averaging 94 points per game, while California brings three productive scoring guards and elite early-season three-point shooting. USC\u2019s pressure defense also creates turnovers and transition opportunities that add possessions. With all of the public money on the Under, the value sits with a game that has all the makings of a shootout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">USC vs California Best Bets<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Final Score Prediction for USC vs California<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>USC\u2019s talent and tempo, led by Arenas and Rice, should make this a high-scoring night in Berkeley. However, California\u2019s new-look backcourt and hot perimeter shooting should keep the Golden Bears within striking distance throughout, with the Trojans winning a shootout by a margin well inside the number.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\n\n\n<\/ul>\n","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wagertalk.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41218","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wagertalk.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wagertalk.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wagertalk.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wagertalk.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=41218"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.wagertalk.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41218\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":41220,"href":"https:\/\/www.wagertalk.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41218\/revisions\/41220"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wagertalk.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/41219"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wagertalk.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=41218"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wagertalk.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=41218"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wagertalk.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=41218"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}