The No. 19 Auburn Tigers (9-1) travel to Los Angeles to take on the USC Trojans (8-3) Sunday at 5:30 p.m. ET (ESPN).'Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Auburn at USC'odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.
Losing Jabari Smith Jr. to the NBA (No. 3 overall pick) from an Auburn team that went 28-6 and 15-3 in the SEC was supposed to be devastating for the Tigers. But they have talent and been able to remain a top-20 team under coach Bruce Pearl. After suffering its lone loss to Memphis 82-73, Auburn beat Georgia State 72-64 on Wednesday, but did not cover (-20.5).
USC is counting on the home-court advantage in this tough matchup since this is the 1st true road game of the season for Auburn. The Tigers are 7-0 at home and 2-1 in neutral court games. USC has won 4 in a row after beating Long Beach State 88-78 on Wednesday, but it did not cover as 11.5-point favorites at home.