[InTheHole]

CRAIG TRAPP

The PAC 10 conference overall has had a disappointing year. Most experts had USC as a definite NCAA tourney team in the preseason but not many picked CAL as one. CAL has outplayed all expectations and Coach Montgomery has shown why so many saw him as a top Coach while he was at Stanford. Both teams could really use this win and this game will probably be a very physical match up. Even scoring has been the key for a big improvement at CAL this year, led by guard Jerome Randle averaging over 17 points and 4 assists a game. Coach Montgomery has brought his success that he had at Stanford over to the Bears. A year ahead of time this team will make the big dance as most likely a #7 seed.
USC has played tough defense all year and most games dominate the glass also. But in almost every loss they have struggled on the offensive end. Poor and inconsistent outside shooting has really let them down in some key games this year. Most likely need 2 wins to have any chance of making the big dance.

Recent Trends:
-Trojans are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games as an underdog.
-Trojans are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record.
-Golden Bears are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 neutral site games as a favorite.
-Golden Bears are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
-Head to head Favorite is 6-2 ATS in the last 8 meetings.

Talent between these teams is pretty close and maybe USC is a little more athletic. This game is going to be won in a close one and the team that comes with better effort will win this game. Coach Montgomery has proven that his games win the game they are supposed to win so we are going to take CAL.

SCORE: CAL 69 - USC 62