🏀 USC vs. South Carolina Prediction & Picks: Women's March Madness Round 2 (March 23)

After a 69-point win in the first round, No. 1 South Carolina will look to advance to the Sweet 16 by defeating No. 9 USC.

My best USC vs. South Carolina prediction for tonight's 8 p.m. ET (ESPN/ESPN+) women's March Madness game at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, S.C., focuses on USC's ability to keep games close against top competition. South Carolina beat USC by 17 earlier this year, and I expect USC to keep the game within 20 again.

For more coverage of the NCAA Tournament, check out the latest women's March Madness odds.

🏀 USC vs. South Carolina picks & odds: Women's March Madness Round 2

See all of our experts' college basketball picks based on the latest college basketball odds; picks rated on a 1-to-5 star confidence scale based on betting value.

Total wagered: 3.5 units | Max profit: 3.1 units

🏆 Who will win USC vs. South Carolina?

I'm taking South Carolina to win this game by 16 points, as I expect the Gamecocks to dominate with great offensive and defensive play, but fail to cover against a team that has lost by 23 or more points just three times all season.

Score prediction: South Carolina 77, USC 61

💰 USC vs. South Carolina prediction & best bet

USC +22.5 (-110)

USC lost the first meeting by 17, but the Trojans trailed just 32-30 at halftime. And they still lost by less than 20 despite scoring three points over the final 8:19. South Carolina is superior in every statistical category, shooting 10% better from the field, scoring 16.8 more points per game, and allowing 5.7 fewer points per contest.

But USC is battle-tested.

USC has faced 11 teams ranked in the top 20 at the time of playing. The Trojans won three of those games and lost five of their last six by double digits.

🔥 Best USC vs. South Carolina game prop bet

USC Over 55.5 points (-120)

USC is averaging 70.0 points per game, and the Trojans have scored at least 64 in 13 of their last 14 games.

The thing I like most about the Trojans is how involved numerous players are offensively. Four different players average at least 10.2 points per game, so even if one shooter has an off night, others can pick up the slack.

USC doesn't shoot very well from 3-point range, averaging just 30.3% from deep. But in the first meeting against South Carolina, USC was just 1-of-14 from beyond the arc, and the Trojans still scored 52 points.

South Carolina allows just 27.8% of 3-pointers to go down, but with a shooter like Kara Dunn, who averages 38% from long range, I expect USC to shoot better tonight and reach at least 60.

🚀 USC vs. South Carolina same-game parlay

If USC is going to cover, it will because the Trojans score enough to keep up with South Carolina's high-powered offense. With South Carolina shooting 51% from the floor, there's no doubt they'll score in the high 70s. Based on how USC played South Carolina the first time, I'm willing to back the Trojans and the Over.

💵 My betting record for college basketball

All college basketball picks, including SGPs, have been tracked since March 13.

💡 How I'm betting USC vs. South Carolina: Women's March Madness 

Follow all of our college basketball analysis and expert predictions for March Madness.

Despite looking terrible for an entire quarter, USC still only lost by 17 earlier this season against South Carolina. While that should make me very confident, South Carolina is still far superior, which is why I'm only investing 1.5 units. 

As for the game and USC team total, I'm risking just one unit on each. While I believe in the Trojans' offense, especially considering how it has performed against good teams all year, South Carolina's defense is too good to confidently bet against.

📊 Live USC vs. South Carolina odds: Women's March Madness Round 2

South Carolina opened as 22.5-point favorites, and the spread hasn't moved at the best sports betting sites. I don't expect much movement, as the public should be divided by how badly South Carolina has beaten teams and how close USC played the Gamecocks earlier this season.

As for the total, it opened at 131.5 and has increased to 132.5. This may climb to 133.5, but I doubt it goes any higher, as South Carolina has the 23rd best defense in the nation.

📈 USC vs. South Carolina betting trends

📺 How to watch USC vs. South Carolina: Women's March Madness Round 2

• Date: Monday, March 23
• Tipoff: 8 p.m. ET
• Location: Colonial Life Arena (Columbia, S.C.)
• TV: ESPN
• Streaming: ESPN+