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USC vs. UCLA: How to watch, odds, final score predictions from ESPN, KenPom

275133747_4796292347117549_592518599057046758_nby:Jonathan Wagner•03/11/22•

Jonathan Wagner

The Pac-12 Tournament is in full swing, and there are two semifinal matchups on Friday night’s slate. Here is everything you need to know for UCLA vs. USC, including how to watch, odds, and score predictions from ESPN and KenPom.

How to watch USC vs. UCLA

Time: 11:30 p.m. ET

Location: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, NV

TV Network: Fox Sports 1

Odds

UCLA is currently a six-point favorite over USC on Friday, according to the Vegas Insider consensus odds.

Spread: UCLA -6, -110, USC +6, -110

Money line: UCLA -250, USC +199

Total: Over/Under 134 points, -110

ESPN predictions

Predicted winner: UCLA

Predicted point differential: 8.0 points

Win probability (for UCLA): 78.5%

ESPN’s College Basketball Power Index (BPI) is a predictive tool that takes into consideration rest, travel, strength of opponent, and many other factors. ESPN’s BPI expects UCLA to cruise to a victory on Friday night, advancing to the Pac-12 title game. The matchup is also listed with a matchup quality of 83.1.

KenPom predictions

Predicted winner: UCLA

Predicted final score: UCLA 71 – USC 64

Win probability (for UCLA): 73%

Like ESPN’s BPI, KenPom is another predictive tool used to project team performances across college basketball. And just like ESPN, KenPom expects UCLA to punch its ticket to the Pac-12 Championship.

UCLA, USC split their two regular season matchups

In the first matchup between UCLA and USC, it was the Trojans that walked away with a 67-64 home victory. But in the second time out, just six days ago in the regular season finale, the Bruins evened the series with a 75-68 victory.

UCLA is the second seed in the Pac-12 Tournament, and finished the regular season 23-6 overall and 15-5 against Pac-12 opponents. USC went 25-6 overall and 14-6 in the SEC during the regular season, earning the third seed in the Pac-12.

Both teams earned a bye through the first round of the Pac-12 Tournament, and did not have to play on Wednesday. On Thursday, UCLA defeated Washington State 75-65. USC took down Washington, winning 65-61. The winner of Friday night’s game will advance to the Pac-12 championship game, and will face the winner of the other semifinal between Arizona and Colorado.