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USC vs. Providence picks for the NCAA Tournament’s East Region first-round game.

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USC taking on Providence should be a flat-out entertaining game. Andy Enfield finally has the Trojans back in the NCAA Tournament, though that’s not to say they bull-rushed the gates. USC limped into March Madness as timidly as anyone this side of Iowa. In their past 10 games, the Trojans have lost seven contests, including one by 20 points on the road to Stanford. No bueno.

As for Providence, the Friars are getting a healthy amount of love from pundits. They boast one of, if not the, best backcourts in the country, which, as we all know, tends to help in the postseason. Some like the duo of Kris Dunn and Ben Benti so much, they’ve been tabbed as a potential thorn in North Carolina’s side, should that matchup happen in the second round.

Here are the Campus Insiders’ USC vs. Providence picks for the first-round game.

USC vs. Providence Picks

Pete Fiutak

Rebounds and more rebounds. The Trojans will be a dangerous team for North Carolina to deal with after beating Providence in the first-round war.

Ray Crawford

Welcome back to the dance, USC. Great to have the Trojans return, but it won’t last long. Sent packing by Providence.

Shae Peppler

Kris Dunn is a do it all guard but the tempo of USC takes over and results in a round of 64 L.

Ken Bikoff

The Friars have been inconsistent, but there is good talent on this team, enough to knock off USC.

Jordan Cornette

Kris Dunn and Ben Bentil, as dynamic duo as any in the nation, will help beat USC in the first round.

More NCAA Tournament: East Region Preview And Winner Pick