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

Two of the Pac-12’s Top-5 teams are set to square off in Eugene tonight. Both are on a bit of a tear as USC has won four straight coming in while Oregon will play host having won three of their last four. However, with the Trojans up a game and a half in the league standings, this will be a big one for both teams when it comes to separation or closing the gap.

How to watch USC vs. Oregon

Tip-Off: 11 p.m. EST

Location: Matthew Knight Arena (Eugene, Oregon)

Channel: ESPN2

Vegas odds

Oregon is a four-point favorite over USC on Thursday according to VegasInsider. The over-under is set at 143 points.

ESPN BPI prediction

Predicted winner: Oregon

Predicted point differential: 5.9

Win probability (for Oregon): 71.4%

Matchup quality: 80.1

ESPN’s College Basketball Power Index (BPI) is a tool that measures team strength and uses that to predict outcomes of future performances. ESPN’s BPI has USC vs. Oregon ranked as the third highest-rated game on Thursday’s slate in terms of matchup quality.

KenPom prediction

Predicted final score: Oregon 74, USC 71

Win probability (for Oregon): 60%

KenPom is another tool that provides advanced analysis across college basketball. Like ESPN, KenPom projects that the Ducks come away with a win versus the Trojans.

More on USC vs. Oregon

USC’s winning ways actually extend a little bit longer as they’ve won six of their last seven. For Andy Enfield’s team, it all starts and ends with the combo of Boogie Ellis (16.5 points, 2.9 assists, 1.6 steals) and Drew Peterson (14.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.7 assists). Freshman guard Tre White, though, is coming off a career-high performance of 22 points in their last win vs. Washington. Add in a very solid defense and the Trojans have everything they need to keep their run going on the road.

As for Oregon, they’re a little more hit or miss. The Ducks haven’t won more than three games in a row this season. That includes conference play as their longest Pac-12 winning streak has been two. They’ll need to find some consistency in order to remain at the top of the league which, tonight, will require the best from their leaders in Will Richardson, N’Faly Dante, and Jermaine Cousinard. All three average double-figures, impact the game in several ways and will need to be at the top of their game to help Oregon capitalize on this major opportunity on their home floor.