USC vs. Kansas Predictions, Odds, Preview

VegasInsider Staff Sports Betting Expert

6 minute read

Mar. 22, 2021

David Schwab
NCAA BK Expert
VegasInsider.com

USC vs. Kansas Predictions

USC get the slight nod in this second-round Pac-12 vs Big 12 clash as a 1.5-point favorite. The total has been set at 134.5 points for the 9:40 p.m. (ET) tip on CBS.

The Trojans opened tournament play in the West Region with a double-digit victory over Drake by blowing out the Bulldogs in the second half. They are going to have to get a fast start out of the gate against the suddenly underrated Jayhawks. Kansas may not be at full strength for Monday’s game but I am banking on experience and coaching to produce the straight-up win.

I also think the total stays UNDER an already low total line. The Jayhawks are going to have to grind this one out with their ability to play defense.

• Score Prediction: Kansas 66 USC 63
• Best Bets - Side: Kansas +1.5
• Best Bets - Total: UNDER 134.5

No. 6 USC vs. No. 3 Kansas Consensus Picks

The VegasInsider.com college basketball handicapping stable is currently split between USC against Kansas in the West Region.

Trojans: 4
Jayhawks: 4

Be sure to check expert picks on the Trojans and Jayhawks!

USC vs. Kansas Betting Trends

As of Monday afternoon, the betting public is torn between Kansas and USC on both the point-spread (-1.5), and the money-line. The 'over' (70%) is receiving extra attention too at 148.5 points.

Trends and Odds Subject to Change

The Betting Trend Movements can be viewed for this 1 vs. 8 matchup in the East Region for Monday.

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USC vs. Kansas Betting Odds

Line Movements

• Spread: USC -1.5
• Total: 134.5
• Money-Line: USC -120 Kansas +100

Odds to Win NCAA Tournament

• USC 35/1
• Kansas 25/1

Odds to Win West Region

• USC 12/1
• Kansas 6/1

Odds Subject to Change

Second Round Predictions

Monday's Previews - Mar. 22, 2021 2 vs. 7 1 vs. 8 11 vs. 14 5 vs. 13 1 vs. 8 4 vs. 5 2 vs. 10 3 vs. 6

Handicapping USC vs. Kansas

USC lost three of its last six regular season games SU, and it bowed out of the Pac-12 Tournament early in a tight two-point loss to Colorado. I actually went against the Trojans against Drake on Saturday because of this inconsistent play. They definitely proved me wrong in that game but my concerns remain in this much tougher matchup.

Kansas has a few players questionable for Monday in the midst of health protocol issues. This did not appear to be a major distraction in the team’s opening round victory over No. 14 Eastern Washington in the opening round.

This is still cause for concern on Monday, but I am more focused on what the Jayhawks did accomplish over the second half of the season.

• Region: West
• Matchup: 3 vs. 6
• Venue: Hinkle Fieldhouse
• Location: Indianapolis, Indiana
• Date: Mar. 22, 2021
• TV-Time: 9:40 p.m. (ET) - CBS

Handicapping Resources: March Madness Central | NCAA Consensus Picks

Betting Stats & Analysis - USC Trojans

Straight Up - SU, Against the Spread - ATS, Over-Under (O/U)

USC is 2-5 against the spread over its last seven games and 1-5 SU in its last six games against the Big 12. It has lost its last six games against Kansas SU.

The total has stayed UNDER in four of the Trojans’ last six games. It has also stayed UNDER in five of their last six games as favorites. The total has stayed UNDER in three of USC’s last five neutral-site contests.

Seed: 6
Conference: Pac-12
Bid: At-large

• SU: 23-7
• ATS: 17-13
• O/U: 15-15

• Current Form (Last 5): 4-1 SU, 2-3 ATS, 2-3 O/U
• Notable Wins: Drake, UCLA (x2), Oregon

• PS/G: 74.7 (86th)
• PA/G: 64.8 (47th)
• Off Rtg: 109.2 (47th)
• Def Rtg: 94.8 (51st)

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Betting Stats & Analysis - Kansas Jayhawks

The Jayhawks have gone 7-2-1 ATS in their last 10 games while winning nine of those outings SU. They have won four out of their last five games SU when facing a Pac-12 team.

The total has stayed UNDER in six of Kansas’ last eight games. Yet, it has gone OVER in four of its last five games playing as an underdog. The total has gone OVER in three of its last five games played at a neutral site.

Seed: 3
Conference: Big 12
Bid: At-large

• SU: 21-8
• ATS: 14-13-1
• O/U: 13-14-1

• Current Form (Last 5): 4-1 SU, 2-2-1 ATS, 2-3 O/U
• Notable Wins: Oklahoma (x2), Baylor, Texas Tech, Oklahoma State

• PS/G: 73.8 (107th)
• PA/G: 66.4 (63rd)
• Off Rtg: 105.4 (108th)
• Def Rtg: 94.8 (50th)

Key Players to Watch

Forwards’ Isaiah Mobley and Evan Mobley combined for 32 points in Saturday’s win. Isaiah added five assists and Evan led in rebounds with 11. Guard Drew Peterson added 14 points while shooting 50% from the field.

Guards’ Ochai Agbaji and Marcus Garrett combined to score 41 of the Jayhawks’ 93 points on Saturday. They also combined for 15 rebounds and six assists. Forward David McCormack added 22 more points off the bench.

• USC - Evan Mobley (16.8 PPG, 8.7 RPG)
• USC - Tahj Eaddy (13.5 PPG)

• KU - Ochai Agbaji (14.4 PPG)
• KU - David McCormack (13.7 PPG, 6.2 RPG)

2021 March Madness Tournament Team Results

The Trojans closed as seven-point favorites in their 72-56 victory over Drake. The total stayed UNDER the closing 134.5-point line. Kansas won its first tournament game by nine points as a 10.5-point favorite in the 93-84 victory over Eastern Washington. That total easily went OVER the closing 145.5-point line.

March Madness Records & Trends

USC Trojans

• All-Time Record: 15-20
• Last Appearance: 2017
• Deepest Run: Elite 8 (2001) - also 1954 Final Four

-- USC has failed to reach the Sweet 16 in six of its last seven NCAA Tournament appearances.
-- USC has failed to cover the spread in three of its last five games when playing on a neutral court.
-- USC has failed to cover the spread in six of its last nine games.

Kansas Jayhawks

• All-Time Record: 109-97
• Last Appearance: 2019
• Deepest Run: Champion (2008)

-- Kansas has won 12 of its last 16 NCAA Tournament games.
-- Kansas has reached the Elite Eight in three of its last four NCAA Tournament appearances.
-- Kansas has been eliminated by a school seeded No. 5 or lower in four straight NCAA Tournament games.
-- Kansas has gone UNDER the point total in six of its last eight games.

More NCAA Tournament Tech Trends

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