Cappers Buzz

This is the second meeting between these two, and Oregon will be out to seek revenge for their 95-86 home overtime loss to USC back on January 26^th. I remember that game well as I had a play on the Trojans plus the points. And the main reason for that was the fact that USC’s defense would be able to contain the Ducks offense. But even though they got the straight-up win, the Trojans did not keep Oregon’s offense in check for the entire game like I thought. USC did hold Oregon to just 20 first half points, but the Ducks exploded for 66 in the 2^nd half as they were able to play their fast-paced style. They also hit 11 three’s in the game, and Oregon should be able to get their preferred fast tempo tonight which will give them a greater shot at the win. USC’s defense suffered a huge loss when starting guard Daniel Hackett was lost with a stress fracture in his back. Hackett was the primary defender in the triangle-and-two defense the Trojans use. Without Hackett, head coach Tim Floyd is not sure if the Trojans can use that defense. “Daniel was in the middle of that,” Floyd said. “I don’t know if it will be as effective with him not in there.” The loss of Hackett leaves the Trojans shorthanded with only seven healthy scholarship players available. “The problem is, who becomes the backups or subs?” Floyd said. The key to this game is the pace, and the belief here is that Oregon will get to play the way they want, fast, because there’s no Hackett for USC. We also note that this series has been dominated by the underdog (8-2 against the spread) and the road team (9-1 ATS, 7-3 straight-up) over the last 10 meetings. Play Oregon plus the points.