Prizing:

1st Place: $25 Amazon gift card

2nd-5th Place: $10 Starbucks gift card

Overview:

On Wednesday, March 15th, the (24-9) USC Trojans will take on the (20-12) Providence Friars.

The Crowd:

“The Crowd” projects a final score of USC 77.4 – Providence 70.2 with an over/under of 147.6.

Statistics (2016-17 season):

Point differential: USC +5.5 > Providence +3.6 PPG

Points per game: USC 78.7 PPG > Providence 70.3 PPG

Points allowed per game: Providence 66.7 > USC 72.2 PPG

Field Goal Percentage Offense: USC 45.4% > Providence 44.7%

Field Goal Percentage Defense: USC 43.1% > Providence 44.1%

Three Point Percentage: Providence 36.8% > USC 36.3%

Turnovers per game: USC 11.2 > Providence 12.6

Rebounds per game: USC 36.1 > Providence 33.5

Assists per game: USC 15.3 > Providence 14.2

Summary:

USC started the season red hot winning their first 14 games but went (10-9) to finish out the season.  Providence finished the season (7-3) in their last ten games.  USC was just (1-6) versus ranked opponents while Providence was (3-6).  USC has the advantage in most of the major statistical categories and have the best player in forward Bennie Boatwright.  USC has the better team on paper but Providence is playing well winning six of their last seven games entering the tournament.  USC struggles to defend against the better scoring teams in college basketball but Providence certainly doesn’t fall into that category as they average just 70.3 points per game.  I’m expecting a close game because Providence is strong on the defensive end but also keep in mind that USC is the better free throw shooting team.  The Trojans should be able to control the glass and outscore Providence to take their place in the final 64.

**LISTEN HERE** to the latest edition of “The Berger Shop” podcast, sponsored by The Crowd’s Line.  This week’s episode features an in-depth discussion talking Showtime Sports Doc on St. Anthony’s Bob Hurley with Brian Dailey.

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