UTSA Roadrunners vs USC Trojans Picks & Predictions — Wednesday, December 17, 2025

By: Kim Smith Published 12/17/2025, 01:55 AM ET

USC returns home to the Galen Center riding a 10–1 start, while UTSA continues a brutal non-conference road stretch against high-major opponents. The Trojans are heavy favorites, but the key betting question is whether USC pushes the margin far enough to justify a 23.5-point spread. Check out all of the other great and free college basketball picks.

UTSA Roadrunners Breakdown

UTSA has struggled mightily away from home, entering this matchup 1–3 on the road and riding a three-game losing streak. Their offense averages 71.7 PPG, but efficiency has been an issue with just 40% shooting as a team. Against elite athletic programs like Alabama and Colorado, the Roadrunners were overwhelmed early and never recovered.

The bright spot is Jamir Simpson, who leads UTSA with 18.9 PPG and is capable of creating his own shot. However, outside of Simpson, consistent scoring options are limited. UTSA does rebound well (41.4 RPG), but those second chances often don’t translate into points due to poor shooting and turnovers.

Defensively, allowing 72.8 PPG doesn’t sound disastrous, but that number balloons against high-tempo, athletic teams—exactly what USC brings.

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USC Trojans Breakdown

USC has quietly been one of the more balanced teams in the country, averaging 87.5 PPG while shooting 48% from the floor. Their size, depth, and rim protection (6.3 blocks per game) make them especially dangerous against mid-major opponents.

Chad Baker-Mazara has been outstanding, leading the Trojans with 21.6 PPG and converting 91% from the free-throw line, a key factor in blowouts where favorites extend leads late. USC also shares the ball well (16.4 assists per game) and can score in transition or half-court sets.

The one concern for bettors: USC doesn’t always play at maximum pace when holding large second-half leads, which can open the door for backdoor covers.

Prediction & Best Bets

This matchup heavily favors USC in every statistical category. UTSA’s recent results against Alabama and Colorado suggest they will struggle to score efficiently, especially against USC’s length and shot-blocking.

That said, 23.5 points is a massive number, and USC has shown a tendency to coast once games are decided. UTSA’s rebounding and Simpson’s scoring should be enough to avoid a complete collapse. Make sure you know about how the fans are looking on prediction markets for UTSA with the Fliff promo code. The best sportsbooks are the best way to go when you are betting on USC. Make sure when you place your USC vs UTSA bet you are using the bet365 bonus code.

Best Pick: UTSA Roadrunners +23.5

Lean: Under 155.5 total points

Final Score Prediction: USC 90, UTSA 68

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