As one of the last games in the Round of 64, we’ll see the Drake Bulldogs and USC Trojans. Drake won its play-in game against Wichita State, a narrow one-point nail-biter, to get here. After an impressive 22-7 season, USC will look to win its first NCAA Tournament game since 2017.
First round action is set to continue on Saturday with 16 more games taking place. The following article looks at the best available odds and offers a March Madness best bets prediction for Saturday afternoon’s Drake vs USC matchup.
Tonight’s Betting Picks | Drake vs USC
Drake vs USC Game Info
Drake Bulldogs (26-4) vs USC Trojans (22-7)
Date: Saturday, March 20, 2021
Start Time: 4:30 p.m. EST
Venue: Bankers Life Fieldhouse – Indianapolis, IN
Coverage: TNT
You always have to weigh the options in these 6-11 matchups after the 11-seed had a play-in game. On one hand, the extra rest could help the 6-seed; on the other hand, having the experience of playing in an NCAA game before your opponent could also be an advantage. I will dissect the matchups a little further below:
Drake vs USC Spread Trends and Prediction: Drake (+6)
Drake was strong on quick turnaround days, going a combined 9-3 ATS when playing on 0-1 days rest. That’s important in a matchup like this, considering what’s at stake. Not to mention, the Bulldogs were a respectable 9-5-1 ATS on road/neutral courts.
Not a lot sticks out with this USC team. The Trojans had a combined 6-8 ATS record on the road and on neutral courts. We already know that teams tend to play well at home, but they don’t get that luxury in the NCAA Tournament. Because of that, I don’t have enough confidence in the Trojans to sneak through the gates with a convincing win. It’s Drizzy!
Drake vs USC Total Trends and Prediction: Under 135.5 points
Both teams had more than half of their games go above the total, so that’s a good starting point to see exactly what type of game we’ll see. Or so I thought…
Drake ranks well near the bottom of D1 teams in possessions per game (68.1, 300th in the nation). USC is a little more respectable, with 70.4 per game, ranking 200th. Given this set of information, I do believe we’ll see the total go under. After all, we could see Drake play more methodically after a tough game on Thursday.
Drake vs USC NCAAB Betting Spread Picks + Odds Shopping
For those looking to bet on tonight’s Drake vs USC game, shopping the college basketball odds at various sportsbooks is critical to ensue you get the best number possible. The Awesemo OddsShopper tool is the perfect asset to use for a quick side-by-side comparison of the March Madness betting odds.
If you are also on the Drake bandwagon, we can only grab the line at +6. However, the best juice (-106) can be found at PointsBet. For those in favor of USC, you’ll want to do so at DraftKings, BetMGM, SugarHouse and William Hill. There, you can get the standard -110 juice you’re looking for.
Drake vs USC NCAAB Betting Total Picks + Odds Shopping
Much like the point spread, those making college basketball betting picks for the total in the Drake vs USCÂ game should be selective.
If you are joining me on the total going under, we can grab 135.5 points at DraftKings and SugarHouse with -108 juice. On the flip side, you can grab over 135 points at BetMGM with the standard -110 juice as your best choice.
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