USC Trojans vs Oregon State Beavers Match Preview – Injury Report, Starting Lineup, and Prediction

The University of Southern California Trojans will square off against the Oregon State Beavers on Saturday at the Galen Center. While the USC have an 8-13 stat, the Oregon State have an 11-10 tally. Furthermore, the USC are 2-8 in the conference whereas the Oregon State have an abysmal 3-7 record there.

Going by the performance, both teams are more or less equals and hence this could be a neck-to-neck competition.

Players to Watch

One of the most exciting players to watch will be guard Boogie Ellis. Ellis has basketed a swoon-worthy 18 points per game this season and therefore, has been the alpha for the Trojans. While the Trojans don’t look to make a comeback, they can especially check that they have the best possible team combination in the now-ending regular season. Ellis can provide a reason for the Trojans’ fans to be proud of.

Another player to keep an eye on will be Bronny James. Though, Bronny’s career didn’t take off as was expected still no one can deny that he has been a valuable addition to the team. James Jr. has basketed 5.6 points per game and set the pace for his next season in these last few matches. Now that the pressure of winning the NCAA tournament is off, Bronny can justify his place in the team with exceptional performances.

For the Oregon State, the key player who will grab all attention will be their guard Jordan Pope. Pope has thrashed 17.6 points per match this season and looks to be in top form.

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He has played the role of an alpha for his team and will have to make the difference, the Oregon State want in this game. Hopefully, Pope will not have been disheartened by his team’s loss against the UCLA Bruins and will go on his usual rampage.

Head to Head

As per the official Oregon State Beavers site, the team has won 18 matches against the Trojans while losing 24. They have a poor away record winning just 4 and losing 14. The conference just tilts slightly in favor of the Trojans with a 14-15 tally. However, during their last matchup in December, 2023, the Beavers edged past the Trojans by an 86-70 margin and the coming match will demonstrate if the Trojans will outdo their opponents.

Prediction

Both the teams have fared averagely well in this season. However, since the match will take place at the Galen Center the USC might outfox their opponents. Nonetheless, a close contest is guaranteed and it will be exciting to see who emerges as the winner in this game.

Injury Report

As per Covers, the USC forward Brandon Gardner has been out due an unknown problems and it remains to be seen if he will take to the court.

The Trojans have lost one of their players this season – Isaiah Collier, due to an injury in his right hand and he might return during Feb end.

For the Beavers, their guard Nate Meithof has torn an ACL and will not be available for the entire season.

Starting Lineup

USC Trojans: Arrinten Page, Joshua Morgan, Oziyah Sellers, Bronny James, Boogie Ellis

Oregon State Beavers: Michael Rataj, Tyler Bilodeau, KC Ibekwe, Jordan Pope, Dexter Akanno

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