Usc Trojans vs Cal State Northridge Matadors Picks and Predictions December 18th 2024

CSUN Chasing Another Signature Win

Nearly a year removed from their shocking 76-72 upset of UCLA, the Cal State Northridge Matadors (7-3) are preparing to take on another Los Angeles basketball giant: Southern California Trojans (7-4). CSUN heads to USC’s home court Wednesday with hopes of repeating their magic and earning their second-ever win over the Trojans.

The Matadors’ only win against USC came back in 2005, and they have gone 1-5 in the all-time series. Their last meeting, in November 2021, ended in a lopsided 89-49 victory for USC. But a lot has changed since then, particularly for the resurgent Matadors under second-year head coach Andy Newman.

Cal State Northridge: Offense on the Rise

CSUN has transformed under Newman, who previously led Cal State San Bernardino to a Division II NCAA Tournament semifinal appearance. This season, the Matadors are putting up 82.1 points per game, a testament to their dynamic offense and disciplined play.

The team is anchored by a trio of scorers averaging over 14 points per game:

• Marcus Adams Jr. (15.2 PPG): A transfer from BYU who has provided much-needed firepower.
• Keonte Jones (14.9 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 3.9 APG): A versatile forward leading CSUN in rebounding and assists.
• Scotty Washington (14.3 PPG): Another consistent offensive threat.

CSUN’s impressive national rankings—22nd in rebounding (41.5 RPG) and 66th in assists (16.2 APG)—underscore the team’s well-rounded approach. These strengths were on full display in their 102-91 victory over Cal Poly on Dec. 7, where they racked up 47 rebounds and 18 assists.

Head coach Newman emphasized the importance of continued improvement: “We’ve got to tune some things up, but I thought our guys defended, played with intent, and rebounded the ball well.”

USC Looking to Maintain Momentum

The Trojans, now under first-year head coach Eric Musselman, are on a two-game winning streak following an 89-63 rout of Montana State on Sunday. Musselman’s squad is seeking consistency after a rocky stretch that included a three-game losing streak from Nov. 28 to Dec. 4.

Leading the charge for USC is Desmond Claude, who averages 14.1 points per game and contributed 19 points in the win over Montana State. Fellow standout Saint Thomas added 17 points, seven rebounds, and three blocks, showcasing the team’s potential on both ends of the floor.

Musselman has emphasized defense as a key area of focus: “We had some really, really physical practices… we even called a bunch of NBA teams for defensive drills. I thought that helped us because they were just completely new and different than what [the players] had seen.”

Keys to the Matchup

For Cal State Northridge:

1. Rebounding Dominance: CSUN’s strength on the boards will be crucial against a USC team with size and physicality.
2. Balanced Scoring: The trio of Adams, Jones, and Washington must deliver consistent offensive output.
3. Limiting Turnovers: Facing a USC defense that has improved recently, CSUN must protect the ball to stay competitive.

For USC:

1. Defensive Pressure: The Trojans will need to disrupt CSUN’s offensive rhythm and force turnovers.
2. Depth Production: Players like Saint Thomas and backup contributors must continue to step up.
3. Control the Paint: USC’s size advantage could be a game-changer, especially on second-chance opportunities.\

Who will cut down the nets? Find out in College Basketball Championship Odds!

Game Outlook

The Matadors enter as significant underdogs, but their high-energy offense and rebounding prowess make them a dangerous opponent. Meanwhile, the Trojans are finding their groove under Musselman and should have the home-court edge.

Prediction: USC pulls away late to secure a hard-fought 81-72 win, but not without a spirited effort from an upset-minded Cal State Northridge team.