USC Trojans vs Kansas State Wildcats 11/6/2023 – USC Trojans will face off with Kansas State Wildcats at T-Mobile Arena as part of the Hall of Fame series in a season-opening spectacle that promises high-octane action, as USC looks to build upon their 22-11 record and make up for early March Madness exits; on the other side are Kansas State, who boasted 26-10 finish last season and want to prove it was no fluke; both teams look forward to making an impression opening statement win amidst Las Vegas lights; expect an unforgettable showdown. The online basketball betting odds are updated below as both teams clash in this important game.
USC Trojans vs Kansas State Wildcats 11/6/2023
| When: | Monday, November 6, 2023, 7:30 PM ET |
|---|---|
| Where: | Kaseya Center |
| TV: | — |
| Stream: | SofaScore |
| Team | SP/RL | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trojans | -3 -110 | o143 -106 | -123 |  |
| Wildcats | +3 -110 | u143 -108 | +101 | |
| ||||
Time to get tough.
Tipoff is tomorrow‼️ pic.twitter.com/QwS3FFVAxP
— USC Men's Basketball (@USC_Hoops) November 6, 2023
Andy Enfield vs Jerome Tang
The USC Trojans are back on the hardwood, ready to make their mark during the 2023-2024 season. After posting an impressive 22-11 record last season, these Trojans look forward to taking their game even further, though key departures present a formidable challenge for success.
Notably, the Trojans said goodbye to key players such as forward Drew Peterson – who contributed 13.9 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game – and guard Reese Dixon-Waters who provided 9.8 points and 3.2 rebounds per game last season – two key scoring options among their top three options last season and have left an immediate scoring and playmaking hole behind them.
USC Trojans Aim High For Success
The Trojans don’t lack talent. Boogie Ellis stands out among them and averaged an incredible 17.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game last season – an outstanding performance that will play a pivotal role in their offensive schemes.
Ellis will not be the sole contributor for the Trojans this season; guard Kobe Johnson and forward Joshua Morgan both offer depth in terms of scoring and rebounding, playing an essential part in maintaining a competitive edge for their respective teams.
The Trojans haven’t relied solely on veteran players; they’re injecting youthful energy as well. Freshmen guard Isaiah Collier and Brandon Gardner look poised to make an immediate impact; highly anticipated Bronny James won’t be making his mark until later due to a medical condition incurred in July.
DJ Rodman’s Role
The Trojans made another smart strategic move by signing senior forward DJ Rodman from Washington State and adding him to their roster, providing additional depth and experience.
Statistically, the Trojans boasted an offense averaging 72.5 points per game and finishing in the top 158th spot nationally in scoring offense. On defense, however, they limited opponents to just 67.4 points per game for an outstanding 96th-place finish nationally in field goal shooting percentage and field goal defense (allowing opponents only 39.3% shooting from the floor), placing them first among their conference peers.
While the Trojans struggled with three-point shooting, averaging only 6.5 threes per game on average, they excelled at free throws with an outstanding 74.5% success rate that placed them third in the Pac-12. Where they could improve is on rebound margin which was only 0.5 last season and could prove crucial in close games.
Kansas State Wildcats: Traversing with Hope
Kansas State Wildcats enter their 2023-2024 season with cautious optimism, looking back upon a 26-10 record last season as motivation to return to NCAA tournament play and repeat past success. Coach Jerome Tang faces a formidable task of maintaining his impressive 26-10 debut season as head coach, yet replacing key players who have left.
NCAAB Betting Odds: Kansas State Wildcats +3 — Over/Under: 143
The Wildcats will surely miss guard Marquis Nowell, an unrivaled scoring and playmaking dynamo who averaged 17.6 points and 8.2 assists per game. Additionally, forward Keyontae Johnson left an even larger void as an influential contributor averaging 17.4 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. In addition, the departures of Desi Sills (Georgetown), forward Ismael Massoud (Georgia State University), center Abayomi Iyiola, and guard Tykei Greene have left a significant hole in their rosters.
Trends
Trojans Betting Trends
USC are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games.
USC is 4-14 SU in their last 18 games against an opponent in the Big 12 conference.
Trojans are 13-3 SU in their last 16 games played in November.
USC are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games played on a Monday.
Kansas Betting Trends
Kansas State are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games.
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Kansas State’s last 7 games.
Kansas State are 7-3 SU in their last 10 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Kansas State’s last 5 games against an opponent in the Pac-12 conference.
Kansas State is 7-1 SU in their last 8 games played in November.
Kansas State are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games played on a Monday.
Wildcats is 6-1 SU in their last 7 games played on a Monday when playing at home.
USC Trojans vs Kansas State Wildcats Betting Pick
Although these challenges exist, the Wildcats still have grounds for optimism. Senior forward Nae’Qwan Tomlin should make a major impact this season by upping his scoring and rebounding averages (he averaged 10.4 points and 5.9 rebounds last season), while junior guard Cam Carter and senior forward David N’Guessan must both become more significant contributors as they each contributed between 6.5-6.4 points per game last season.
Kansas State welcomes an influx of talent that could transform its fortunes. Transfers Jerrell Colbert (redshirted at LSU last season) and Arthur Kaluma from Creighton bring valuable experience, while freshmen guards bring much-needed depth. However, the online betting odds are in favor of the Trojans to win this game.
Score Prediction: Trojans 76, Wildcats 68.
