NCAAW Game Preview: UCLA vs USC – Odds, Predictions, and Best Bets for February 13th

The first of two battles for Los Angeles women’s basketball supremacy will take place Thursday night when JuJu Watkins and No. 6 USC (21-2) play host to No. 1 UCLA (23-0). The Big Ten matchup will tip-off at 10:00 pm ET on Peacock.

UCLA vs USC Odds

The Trojans are a 1.5-point favorite against their arch rival, but there is no moneyline being offered on this matchup.

Odds as of Feb. 13 at FanDuel Sportsbook. Use our FanDuel Promo Code to get a bonus for UCLA vs. USC.

UCLA jumped to No. 1 in the country after defeating South Carolina 77-62 on Nov. 24, and has remained there since, dominating opponents with 18 straight double-digit victories. That includes wins against No. 9 Ohio State (65-52), No. 17 Maryland (82-67), No. 24 Creighton (70-41) and No. 25 Baylor (72-57).

Ohio State did put a momentary scare into the Bruins a week ago, as the game was tied early in the fourth quarter. The Bruins went on a 19-1 run after the Buckeyes tied it, however, holding Ohio State without a field goal in the final 7:20.

Three days later, Ohio State went to USC and lost by 21 in a game that was essentially out of reach the entire second half.

The Ohio State win is one of two top-ten victories for the Trojans, who also own a 72-70 road victory over UConn, the top-rated team in the country at barttorvik.com.

USC does have a pair of losses on its resume, falling to No. 2 Notre Dame at home on Nov. 23, and unranked Iowa on the road on Feb. 2. The Notre Dame loss has aged incredibly well, as the Irish have dominated multiple top 10 teams. The Iowa loss is more of a head scratcher, although it did come on the day the Hawkeyes retired Caitlin Clark’s number, which certainly added to the atmosphere.

UCLA vs USC Prediction

This is by far UCLA’s biggest test since the South Carolina win, as it heads into hostile territory against a top 10 opponent. The Bruins’ two biggest weaknesses this season – free throw rate and turnover rate – are two things that could be heavily impacted by the atmosphere.

If USC, which is good but not elite at turning teams over, can hassle the Bruins and get out running, it will avoid having to deal too much with UCLA’s defense, which is ranked third nationally in adjusted efficiency by Torvik.

But this is also the most well-rounded team USC has seen all year. Not even Notre Dame, which was missing key pieces when it headed to LA, had the type of balance the Bruins will bring to the Galen Center.

UCLA has three players – Lauren Betts (19.6), Kiki Rice (12.7) and Gabriela Jaquez (10.3) — averaging double figures in points per game, and four others who are at 8.0 ppg or higher.

Betts leads the way there with 19.6 points per game, while also pulling down a team-leading 9.7 rebounds. Her matchup with former Stanford teammate Kiki Iriafen will be a huge factor in this game, as Iriafen is averaging 18 points and 8.4 rebounds, herself. Betts did not play against Stanford a year ago, so unfortunately, we do not have a prior matchup to go off.

What this will ultimately come down to, however, is how UCLA handles Watkins, viewed by many as the nation’s best player. She wasn’t really slowed down in either of USC’s losses, scoring 24 points against Notre Dame and 27 against Iowa. But she was ineffective from 3-point range in both, missing all five attempts against Notre Dame and going 1-of-7 against Iowa.

UCLA has the defenders to guard her at all levels, and at 6-foot-7, Betts can help clean things up underneath. But if JuJu goes off, all other analysis might not matter. She’s that type of player.

UCLA vs. USC Picks:

• USC –1.5 (-110)
• Under 139.5 (-110)

Women’s Basketball Futures

While no props are being offered for this crosstown matchup in LA, it could have a significant impact on a pair of futures bets being offered at FanDuel.

Betts is the current favorite to win the Women’s Wooden Award at +125, while Watkins is third at +250. Notre Dame’s Hannah Hidalgo is listed second in the odds at +175, and the list gets into longshot territory after Watkins, with UConn’s Paige Bueckers fourth at +8000.

Watkins and Betts will play in perhaps the two biggest remaining regular-season games, with their two matchups (today and at UCLA on March 1), which could determine the winner of that award.

Another women’s basketball future offered at FanDuel is UCLA to complete an undefeated regular season, with Yes at +410 and No at –700. There’s no moneyline listed on tonight’s game, but if you think UCLA is going to win, this might be a nice option.

This is the Bruins’ toughest remaining matchup, as they close with Michigan State and Illinois at home, followed by trips to Iowa and Wisconsin before the rematch with USC at Pauley Pavilion.

The highly anticipated matchup between the UCLA Bruins and the USC Trojans in the NCAAW is set to take place on February 13th, and fans are buzzing with excitement. Both teams have had strong seasons so far, making this game a must-watch for basketball enthusiasts.

The UCLA Bruins currently hold a record of 15-4, while the USC Trojans are sitting at 12-6. Both teams have been performing well in conference play, with the Bruins holding a slight edge in the standings. However, when it comes to head-to-head matchups, anything can happen.

In terms of odds, the UCLA Bruins are currently favored to win this game. According to sportsbooks, the Bruins have a -5.5 point spread, indicating that they are expected to come out on top. However, the USC Trojans are not to be underestimated, as they have proven themselves to be a formidable opponent throughout the season.

When it comes to predictions, it is expected to be a close and competitive game between these two rivals. Both teams have strong offenses and defenses, making for an exciting matchup. The key to victory for the UCLA Bruins will be their ability to control the pace of the game and limit turnovers, while the USC Trojans will need to focus on their three-point shooting and defensive pressure.

As for best bets, there are a few options to consider for this game. One potential bet could be taking the UCLA Bruins to cover the spread of -5.5 points. Another option could be betting on the over/under, as both teams have shown the ability to put up points on the scoreboard.

Overall, this NCAAW game between UCLA and USC is sure to be a thrilling showdown between two talented teams. Fans can expect a high-energy game with plenty of highlight-reel plays and intense moments. Be sure to tune in on February 13th to catch all the action and see which team comes out on top in this exciting matchup.