USA Today via Reuters
Jan 28, 2021; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans forward Max Agbonkpolo (23) is defended by Oregon State Beavers guard Ethan Thompson (5) and guard Jarod Lucas (2) in the second half at Galen Center. USC defeated Oregon State 75-62. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 28, 2021; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans forward Max Agbonkpolo (23) is defended by Oregon State Beavers guard Ethan Thompson (5) and guard Jarod Lucas (2) in the second half at Galen Center. USC defeated Oregon State 75-62. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
NCAA Basketball action will see a big game on a dry slate. With the only other major game being one between the Minnesota Golden Gophers and the Purdue Boilermakers, lots of eyes should be on the USC Trojans facing the Washington Huskies. However, the way this game is going to go can be telegraphed relatively easily.
The Washington Huskies are 3-14 this season. However, two of those 3 wins have come in their last five games. While they seem to have momentum, it is only by their standards. 2 wins in 5 are not anybody else’s definition of momentum, but it is better than what the Huskies have had this season.
Ready for the next opportunity to play.
Washington hosts USC this Thursday, Feb. 11 at 7 p.m. PT on the Pac-12 Networks. #TougherTogether
— Washington Men's Basketball (@UW_MBB) February 10, 2021
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The USC Trojans are actually ranked in the AP Poll at spot 20. They have a 95-68 win over the Huskies from a month ago, in which Washington was no match for them. The smart money is on that being the case again. The Trojans are 15-3 this season.
But is there even a chance the Huskies pull out a miracle win?
NCAA Basketball: Will the Trojans get a dominant win?
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USC has proven itself to be one of the strongest programs in the country this season. They are currently on a four-game win streak with wins over teams like the UCLA Bruins. Along with that, they already have a win over their opponents tonight. They out-scored, rebounded, and assisted the Huskies in that 27-point win.
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 28, 2021; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Oregon State Beavers guard Ethan Thompson (5) shoots the ball as Southern California Trojans guard Drew Peterson (13), guard Isaiah White (5) and guard Ethan Anderson (20) defend in the second half at Galen Center. USC defeated Oregon State 75-62. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The Huskies could hope that their strong guard play can somehow neutralize what the Trojans use. These are guard-oriented teams, but the gulf of quality here is quite massive. The Trojans are one of the best teams in their conference, while the Huskies languish second-last in the PAC-12.
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The Huskies will start the game with Jamal Bey, Eric Stevenson, Quade Green, Hameir Wright, and Nate Roberts. The Trojans will start with Tahj Eaddy, Isaiah White, Drew Peterson, Isaiah Mobler, and Evan Mobley.
For our prediction, we have to go with the Trojans. Their team is far superior to the Huskies, and they have proven it already. It is unlikely that the story will change now.
