UCLA Bruins vs USC Trojans Picks and Predictions for Saturday March 7 2026

By: Kim Smith Published 03/07/2026, 04:00 AM ET
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The UCLA Bruins travel across Los Angeles to face the USC Trojans on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the Galen Center. The game is scheduled to tip off at 9:00 PM and will be televised on FS1. This rivalry matchup features two Big Ten programs battling for positioning late in the regular season. At the time of this writing the odds were not released for the moneyline, total, or spread. Be sure to check out our free college basketball picks for more expert predictions and betting insights on today’s games.

Bruins Looking to Continue Rivalry Momentum

The UCLA Bruins enter this matchup with a 20-10 overall record and a 12-7 mark in Big Ten play this season. UCLA has been competitive throughout conference play and recently picked up a solid win over Nebraska 72-52. The Bruins also recently won over USC 81-62 and won over Illinois 95-94 in overtime, while their recent losses came against Minnesota 78-73 and Michigan State 82-59.

Offensively, UCLA has been productive this season, averaging 77.6 points per game while allowing 71.0 points per game on the defensive end. The Bruins are shooting 47% from the field while averaging 32.3 rebounds per game and 16.0 assists per contest, showing strong ball movement and efficient offensive execution.

Defensively, UCLA has been capable of creating disruption. The Bruins average 6.4 steals per game and 3.0 blocks per contest, helping limit opponents and create transition opportunities. Their balanced scoring and ability to force turnovers has been one of the key strengths that has kept them competitive in conference play.

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Trojans Searching for a Turnaround at Home

The USC Trojans come into this matchup with an 18-12 overall record and a 7-12 record in Big Ten play. USC has struggled recently and enters this rivalry matchup looking to stop a losing streak. The Trojans recently lost to Washington 91-72, lost to Nebraska 82-67, lost to UCLA 81-62, lost to Oregon 71-70, and lost to Illinois 101-65.

Despite the recent struggles, USC has been a solid offensive team this season. The Trojans average 78.9 points per game while shooting 45% from the field. They also contribute 14.8 assists per game while pulling down 36.7 rebounds per contest, giving them a presence on the glass.

One area where USC can make an impact is defensively around the rim. The Trojans average 5.5 blocks per game and 6.5 steals per contest, showing their ability to disrupt opposing offenses. However, allowing 77.4 points per game has been an issue throughout the season and has played a role in their recent losing stretch.

Bruins vs Trojans Pick

UCLA Bruins vs USC Trojans Pick

  • UCLA Bruins

UCLA has been the more consistent team this season and already showed they can control this matchup after their recent win over USC. The Bruins have the better defensive numbers and have been more efficient offensively, which gives them an advantage in this rivalry game. USC’s recent losing streak also suggests they are struggling to find momentum, while UCLA appears to be playing more confident basketball.

UCLA Bruins vs USC Trojans Total Pick

  • Over

I like the over in this matchup because both teams have shown they can score at a solid pace this season. UCLA averages over 77 points per game while USC averages nearly 79 points per contest. With both teams capable of pushing the tempo and creating scoring opportunities, I expect this game to reach a higher scoring range.

Final Score Prediction: UCLA Bruins 82, USC Trojans 75

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