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SMU vs. USC prediction and game preview, as the No. 6 Mustangs take on the No. 11 Trojans in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

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The No. 6 SMU will face a hot USC Trojans team that came back in epic fashion in the First Four against Providence. Below is a game preview and prediction for the first round matchup in Tulsa.

SMU vs. USC Game Preview

Date:  March 17
Time:  3:10
Venue:  BOK Center, Tulsa, Oklahoma
Region: East

SMU Strengths

Much like their conference counterpart Cincinnati, SMU plays lockdown defense. The Mustangs allowed fewer than 60 points per game during the regular season, putting the clamps on to reel off 13 consecutive victories during conference play play in the run up to the AAC tourney. A moderately deep team, SMU can rotate in at least seven guys that will to grind out other teams. The Mustangs are also very careful with the ball, registering one of the nation’s best assist-turnover ratios during the regular season (1.54), and are not a team that will find itself in foul trouble very often (averaging 14.41 fouls per game in the regular season).

SMU Weaknesses

In a close game, free throws might do Tim Jankovich’s team in. Semi Ojeleye, Shake Milton and Sterling Brown all shot better than 76% from the charity stripe, but after them it’s a rough road. As a team, SMU shot only 69.2% from the line.

USC Strengths

The Trojans can beat teams from the perimeter with Jordan McLaughlin, De’Anthony Melton and Elijah Stewart, but also can do so inside with Bennie Boatwright and Chimezie Metu. Andy Enfield’s team has the balance and ability to win a couple of games in the Tournament with a good draw given their depth.

USC Weaknesses

USC’s defense has been middle-of-the-road in the Pac-12 all season and leaves some to be desired. Four of its last six regular-season opponents put up at least 80 points, and it has been known to fall apart quickly if it gets blitzed from the opening tip.

SMU vs. USC By The Numbers

SMU Statistics

Scoring Margin: 15.2 (6th nationally)
Rebound Margin: 9.8 (2)
Turnover Margin: 1.1 (107)
3-Point Field Goal Percentage: 40.3% (13)

USC Statistics

Scoring Margin: 5.8 (84)
Rebound Margin: .8 (164)
Turnover Margin: 1.3 (95)
3-Point Field Goal Percentage: 36.6% (102)

SMU vs. USC Prediction

If USC has shown anything over the last month, it’s that it is one resilient team. After having the bottom fall out in Mid-February, the Trojans pulled things together over the final stretch of the year to close strongly. That resiliency was on full display in Dayton, as USC came back from a 17-point deficit to defeat Providence. SMU’s defense will present an early problem, but much like in the First Four contest, USC will get hot, go on a run and pull away at the end.

SMU vs. USC Score Prediction: USC 70, SMU 65

MORE: Complete NCAA Tournament Bracket, Previews, Predictions