Pac-12 Basketball: USC vs. Arizona preview, prediction, TV schedule
Can Arizona retain sole possession of first place in the Pac-12 basketball conference with a win against the Trojans?
TV Schedule: Feb. 23, 10:00 p.m. ET on Pac-12 Network
Arena: McKale Center (Tucson, Arizona)
PREDICTION: Arizona 78, USC 66
The Trojans wrap up a tremendous stretch against the elite Pac-12 members on Thursday against No. 4 Arizona. The Wildcats, at 14-1, currently sit atop the Pac-12 standings, while USC, at 8-6, rests at fifth in the standings.
Related Story: Jordan Bell rising up as Oregon’s top big man
USC entered a stretch of hosting then-No. 5 Oregon, at then-No. 6 UCLA, and now at No. 4 Arizona. It has undoubtedly been brutal for the Trojans, falling by 11 to the Ducks and suffering a 31-point obliteration to the Bruins.
Prior to this stretch, USC was playing outstanding basketball. The Trojans had won five straight, including an 8-point victory over UCLA.
While USC’s 21-6 overall record looks superb on paper, the Trojans often edge out their opponents when they are victors. In fact, only two of USC’s eight Pac-12 wins have been decided by double figures.
The Trojans have several offensive weapons in their arsenal. Sophomore forward Chimezie Metu leads the group in scoring and on the glass, averaging 14.2 points per game and 7.3 rebounds per game. His front court associate, sophomore Bennie Boatwright, posts 14.1 points per game and nearly five rebounds a contest.
In the backcourt, USC has junior Elijah Stewart (13.4 points), junior Jordan McLaughlin (12.7 points, team-leading 5.1 assists) and freshman De’Anthony Melton (9.3 rebounds, 5.3 rebounds).
The Wildcats have been nothing short of dominant for virtually the entire season. Arizona has won five straight and a beyond-impressive 19 of its last 20 games.
In their last seven victories, the Wildcats have held their opposition to under 70 points, establishing themselves as a defensive threat to USC, a group that averages nearly 80 points per game.
Arizona is one of the nation’s most complete teams with a phenomenal backcourt and a versatile set of bigs. Leading the group is freshman sensation Lauri Markkanen (15.7 points, 7.5 rebounds). The Finnish native leads the team in both categories. Alongside Markkanen, junior Dusan Ristic (11.2 points, 5.9 rebounds) and sophomore Chance Comanche (6.5 rebounds) run the front court.
The Wildcats have a quartet of fantastic guards. Sophomore Allonzo Trier ranks second on the team in points per game (13.9), rebounds per game (5.1) and assists per game (2.8). Freshman duo of Rawle Alkins (11.3 points, 5.1 rebounds) and Kobi Simmons (10.8 points) have carried a heavy load this season. Senior Kadeem Allen (9.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.2 assists) is perhaps the most important backcourt piece for Arizona, despite not being an elite scorer. His all-around play and leadership is a prominent factor in Arizona’s success thus far and will continue to be in March.
Next: Hot and Cold – Blue Devils rolling with seven straight wins
Arizona should have little difficulty winning this contest in Tucson. Its scoring weapons and excellent defense should carry them to victory over a USC team that allows 73 points per game.