Usc Trojans vs Oregon Ducks Picks and Predictions December 4th 2024

No. 12 Oregon flying high ahead of first Big Ten tilt vs. USC

The stage is set for a thrilling basketball showdown as No. 12 Oregon (8-0) takes on USC (5-3) in Los Angeles. This game marks the first Big Ten Conference matchup for both teams, bringing together one squad riding high on a perfect start and another searching for answers after recent struggles. Here’s an in-depth look at the key storylines leading into this pivotal contest.

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Oregon’s Best Start in Over a Decade

The Ducks are on fire, achieving their best opening stretch since the 2013-14 season. Their 83-81 victory over then-No. 9 Alabama in the Players Era Festival championship is the crowning achievement of their season so far. That win propelled Oregon into the Associated Press Top 25 for the first time this year, landing them at No. 12.

• Nate Bittle’s Heroics: In the Alabama matchup, 7-foot center Nate Bittle delivered a buzzer-beating tip-dunk to seal the victory. Bittle, who endured a challenging 2023-24 season marred by injuries, has been instrumental in Oregon’s success. He leads the team with 14.6 points and 9.4 rebounds per game.
• Depth and Team Chemistry: Oregon’s roster showcases exceptional balance:
  • TJ Bamba, the Players Era Festival MVP, averages 13 points per game.
  • Brandon Angel contributes a steady 10.1 points per game.
  • Jackson Shelstad leads the Ducks in assists (3.9 per game) while adapting to a reduced scoring role this season.

Oregon’s well-rounded offense and disciplined defense have cemented their status as one of the most formidable teams in the country.

USC’s Defensive Woes and Inconsistency

While Oregon ascends, USC has struggled to find its rhythm. The Trojans endured a tough outing at the Acrisure Classic, suffering back-to-back losses, including a 71-36 blowout against Saint Mary’s. The 36 points tied USC’s lowest-scoring game since 2011, and the subsequent 83-73 loss to New Mexico only compounded their woes.

• Defensive Struggles:
  • Opponents are shooting 53% inside the arc and 35.7% from beyond the three-point line, exposing significant gaps in USC’s defensive execution.
  • First-year head coach Eric Musselman acknowledged the team’s defensive issues, stating, “We’ve got to figure out what and who we are defensively.”
• Searching for Solutions: Without a clear defensive identity, the Trojans have allowed scorers like Saint Mary’s Jordan Ross to dominate the lane, turning close contests into one-sided affairs.

USC returns home with an opportunity to regroup, but they face a tall order against one of the hottest teams in college basketball.

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Key Matchup: Oregon’s Offense vs. USC’s Defense

The clash between Oregon’s potent offense and USC’s porous defense will likely decide the outcome. Oregon’s ability to share the ball and deliver clutch performances gives them a significant edge. USC must improve their defensive rotations and limit second-chance points to stay competitive.

Coaching Impact: Experience vs. Transition

• Dana Altman’s Steady Leadership: Now in his 15th season at Oregon, Altman has established a program synonymous with consistency and success. This marks the 10th time in his tenure that the Ducks have been ranked in the AP Top 25, and they are primed for another deep postseason run.
• Eric Musselman’s Growing Pains: Musselman, in his first year leading the Trojans, faces a steep learning curve. Developing defensive discipline and fostering team chemistry are critical challenges he must address.

What’s at Stake

This game carries more than just a win or loss. It’s a milestone for both teams as they debut in the Big Ten Conference. For Oregon, it’s a chance to solidify their status as a top-15 program. For USC, it’s an opportunity to bounce back and re-establish themselves as a competitive force.

Prediction

With Oregon’s depth, momentum, and superior coaching, they enter the matchup as clear favorites. USC will need a near-perfect performance on both ends of the court to pull off the upset.

Key Players to Watch

• Oregon:
  • Nate Bittle: Dominant on both ends of the floor, Bittle’s inside presence could be the difference-maker.
  • TJ Bamba: Expect Bamba to deliver another solid scoring performance.
• USC:
  • Defensive cohesion: The team’s collective effort will be crucial in slowing down Oregon’s high-powered offense.

Conclusion

Oregon’s flying high, and USC is struggling to stay grounded. The Ducks have all the tools to make a statement in their Big Ten debut, while the Trojans must dig deep to find the resilience needed to turn their season around. Regardless of the outcome, this game promises to set the tone for their futures in the Big Ten.