USC vs Arizona State: PAC-10 Conference Tournament Predictions

Written March 14, 2009 by Jordan Haimowitz

usc-arizona-state-basketball-odds-031409 The Trojans are firing on all cylinders. As I stated in my USC vs Cal article c couple of days back, USC is the most dangerous team in the PAC-10 Tournament that nobody was talking about before it started. Taj Gibson has put together a string of games here that have been incredible. Demar DeRozan has had no problem walking right over Pat Christopher of Cal and Josh Shipp of UCLA. Daniel Hackett has made every big free throw he has come across while controlling the tempo and out playing Jerome Randle of Cal and Darren Collison of UCLA. Dwight Lewis struggled against The Bears but hit a game clinching three late. USC feels they can beat anybody right now, and I don’t necessarily think they are wrong. The Trojans match up perfectly against Arizona State. Dwight Lewis, the best on ball defender USC has will most likely get the nod to slow down James Harden. USC averages only a point less per game then The Sun Devils. Daniel Hackett is this teams heart and soul. DeRozan is the biggest talent and Gibson is the big enforcer in the paint. However, if USC wins it will be because Hackett took them over the top. USC has all the pieces to win this game and the momentum is certainly on their side. Arizona State is currently a 2 point favorite over USC.

Arizona State is led by sophomore sensation guard James Harden. A tremendous talent who is primed for NBA greatness. Harden averages 21 PPG, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. He can guard anybody on the court and often nobody can guard him(Dwight Lewis will get the assignment tonight for USC). Their big man Jeff Pendergraph is have a nice season for the Sun Devils averaging 14 points and 8.5 rebounds a game. Arizona State’s guard Derek Glasser has surprised many this year with his performance. While Glasser only averages a decent 8 points and 5 assists, he is the vocal voice of this team. Harden and DeRozan are each teams best player, Hackett and Glasser will be the battle of the point guards. Neither of those match ups will be the key. Is Jeff Pendergraph is unable to contain Taj Gibson, the way he and the Trojans are playing Arizona State will come up on the short end tonight. Arizona State has punched their ticket for sure. Would they like a PAC-10 Championship? Sure they would. The question is though, How badly? We’ll see at 6:00 pm eastern time. This could very well be the game of the night.

Haimo’s Hot Notes: The two teams split the home and away match up this season with each team winning in their home gym by double digits. USC must have this win to get into the tournament. Arizona would like to have this win, they are already in the tournament. Here are some key trends. While Arizona State is 8-3 in their last 11 PAC-10 games ATS, USC is a dominating 23-9 in their last 32 Saturday games and when these two teams meet, the underdog is 10-3 in their last 13 meetings. Expect The Trojans to claim the PAC-10 title tonight and steal a bid into the tourney. While bubble teams will be cringing their teeth when this happens, USC will be celebrating their stunning run. Victories over California and UCLA is plenty of confidence to get the job done tonight. Take USC with the points and cash in.

Betting Line: Arizona State -2

Jordan’s Pick: take USC +2

After a disappointing 0-2 night yesterday, I am set with three great picks to get back on track tonight. Be ready to cash in with these three winners.

Record To date:
6-7 OVERALL
3-1 BEST BETS (Missouri -5 BEST BET Today)

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