In what’s expected to be one of the more closely-contested meetings of the Midwest region, the 7-seed USC Trojans (26-7) will face-off with the 10-seed Miami Hurricanes (23-10).
USC has been a difficult team to evaluate across this season. They have some excellent talent, but have not matched up to Arizona and UCLA as they were expected.
The Hurricanes had a decent season themselves, and in a top-heavy ACC, they were often competitive against the conference’s heavy-hitters.
Both of these teams could have been seeded higher in my opinion, but because of their spots, it now projects to be one of the tightest matchups in the first round.
USC vs Miami (FL) Odds
USC vs Miami (FL) odds are provided by BetMGM Sportsbook and current as of March 14 at 1:00 p.m. EST.
- Moneyline: USC (-130) vs Miami (FL) (+105)
- Spread: USC -1.5 (-110) vs Miami (FL) +1.5 (-110)
- Over/Under: Over 139.5 (-110) / Under 139.5 (-110)
- Implied Score: USC 70.5, Miami (FL) 69
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USC vs Miami (FL) Prediction
This is going to be a fun one. Both of these teams have star power at the top of their rosters, and each hails from a competitive conference.
USC comes in with some question marks, however, as they dropped three of their last four games. Those three losses came against UCLA and Arizona, but Miami is almost on that level as well. USC’s last three wins – all against non-tournament teams – were decided by four points or less.
USC ranks inside the top 50 in both adjusted offensive and defensive efficiency, per KenPom. Miami, on the other hand, ranks 17th in adjusted offensive efficiency and 157th in adjusted defensive efficiency, demonstrating their score-first style.
USC vs Miami (FL) Score Pick
Miami (FL) 73, USC 71
This game is likely to be close throughout. I do not think there is a more evenly matched pairing in the Round of 64.
- Print your 2022 March Madness bracket.
USC’s balance on both ends, experience, and excellent coaching could lead them to victory here, but I believe Miami’s offense could prove too much for USC to handle.
USC vs Miami (FL) Best Bets
Miami Moneyline (+105) at BetMGM
Wager: 0.75 Units
When I think a game is going to be close like I believe this one will, I usually will lean toward taking the plus-odds underdog simply because of the implied value attached.
Miami is a good enough team to put the hammer down on the Trojans, and I have a feeling they will.
OVER 139.5 Total Points (-110) at BetMGM
Wager: 0.5 Units
If Miami has anything to say about the pace of this game, this game should fly over the betting total. USC is capable of putting points on the board in a hurry as well, playing a perimeter-oriented game.
Miami knows how to work offensively from all three levels, leading me to take the Over 139.5 for a small half-unit wager.
