USC Trojans (22-11 Last Season) vs Kansas State Wildcats (26-10 Last Season)
USC Trojans vs Kansas State Wildcats 11/6/23 – As the new NCAA Men’s Basketball season commences, an exciting non-conference clash awaits: USC Trojans of 22-11 are set to face Kansas State Wildcats of 26-10 on Monday November 6, 2023 at T-Mobile Arena with coverage provided by TNT and exclusive premium handicappers eyeing this as an early season test of both programs.
The USC Trojans enter this new season with mixed trends. After posting an impressive 13-3 mark against Big 12 opponents last November, their performance against them since has been less than impressive as they have recorded only 4-14 success against them SU and have only gone 1-4 against the spread in their past 5 matches (at -3 in most instances). Betting trends could raise eyebrows considering these surprising results given their strong November performance when going 13-3 SU against them last year.
Kansas State Wildcats boast more favorable recent stats, especially their 7-3 ATS record in their last 10 games. Last season, their scoring average and overall field goal percentage were slightly superior to USC Trojans’ and their offensive strategy put USC’s defense to test. Yet interestingly enough, four out of their last five Pac-12 opponent matches saw total go UNDER as opposed to an otherwise offensive approach from them.
USC Trojans vs Kansas State Wildcats 11/6/23 Game Info
| When: | Monday, November 6, 2023 at 10:00 PM ET |
| Where: | T-Mobile Arena |
| TV: | TNT |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Boogie Ellis (Guard) vs Markquis Nowell (Guard)
Boogie Ellis of USC Trojans had an outstanding run last season, averaging 17.7 points per game while playing over 33 minutes per outing and shooting 38.6% from three-point range while also boasting an accurate free throw percentage (88%) and free throw accuracy (90%). Ellis also proved himself on both ends of the court, notching up 1.4 steals per game for added two-way play; his turnover rate (1.9 per game) could prove problematic when faced with Kansas State who thrive on exploiting opponents’ errors.
Markquis Nowell of Kansas State Wildcats will prove an equally formidable opponent to Ellis’. Nowell posted 17.6 points and 8.3 assists per game during last season, showing he can both score and make plays effectively. Although his field goal percentage may be similar to Ellis’, his superior free throw accuracy (88.9%) could prove crucial during close games; yet Nowell’s higher turnover rate (3.7 per game) should serve to tighten their defensive game against Troy’s aggressive playmaker defense.
When these two key players clash on the court, the battle will be intense. Both guards possess the potential to swing the game in either of their teams’ favor, so ultimately it comes down to who can best manage pressure and remain composed under duress. Ellis’ intercept and turnover capabilities could test Nowell’s ball-handling while Nowell’s vision and distribution may challenge Ellis’ defensive positioning.
NCAAB Odds/Point Spread: USC Trojans +215, Total Odds: 225
Betting odds for this NCAA match-up tell an intriguing tale, with USC Trojans listed at an outright win offering considerable odds-makers rewards despite their underdog status. Oddsmakers seem to expect an action-packed game, given both teams’ impressive offensive performances during last season. At 225 total odds, oddsmakers expect this one to be high-scoring affair and hope it lives up to expectation. A spread of -3 in favor of USC indicates expectations of an even contest, yet indicates a slight lean towards USC overturning it through either victory by more than three points or keeping their opponent within two points if they lose. Bettors use this number as an indicator of anticipated competitiveness of matchup.
USC Trojans Betting Trends
Bettors looking at trends should take notice of the Trojans’ recent track record against Big 12 opponents as a cause for alarm. Their ATS performance has been underwhelming, so with an underdog spread to cover in this matchup and an expected -3 spread that must be covered, bettors should consider this matchup as one with potential. Nonetheless, their impressive record in November games might indicate they’re usually well prepared before beginning the season.
Kansas State Wildcats Betting Trends
The Wildcats appear to be an attractive option for bettors, boasting an impressive 8-1-1 record against the spread in their last 10 games. Their impressive track record of outperforming at home on Mondays makes this team one to consider, although playing at neutral venues might compromise some of this advantage. Their November record of 7-1-1 suggests they are ready to open this season strong.
USC Trojans vs Kansas State Wildcats 11/6/23 Betting Picks
Based on analysis and betting trends, this matchup appears to be closely contested. USC has not had much luck against Big 12 teams when it comes to covering against them (ATS record less convincing), yet their positive November trends could indicate they’ve started well this season. Kansas State holds an advantage due to their impressive ATS record and over trends that give them an edge on paper.
NCAAB daily winning picks currently favor Kansas State due to their impressive record against the spread and scoring capabilities, but individual player performances, like Boogie Ellis’ points and assists total, could add value for prop bettors. Betting over/under may prove more challenging due to contrasting trends on each team but may prove tempting given both teams’ offensive prowess.
Free Pick and Prediction: Kansas State Wildcats 76, USC Trojans 72