Pac-12 foes will collide when the Washington State Cougars (9-17) face off against the California Golden Bears (18-8) at Wallis Beasley Performing Arts Coliseum. Action begins at 8:30 pm ET on Sunday, Feb. 21 and will air on ESU and ES3.
The Cougars were beaten by Stanford 72-56 on Thursday. Josh Hawkinson put in a solid effort despite the loss for Washington State, recording 17 points and 12 rebounds to earn his 18th double-double of the season. The Golden Bears, meanwhile, are coming off a 78-75 win over Washington on Thursday. Jaylen Brown shot 7 for 13 and led in scoring with 23 points.
The Cougars have gone 9-17 Straight Up (SU) and 10-15 Against The Spread (ATS).
On the other side, the Golden Bears have records of 14-12 ATS and 18-8 SU. Most recently, California is a meager 2-8 ATS over the last 10 games. During the last 10 games, they averaged 63.1 PPG, below their 75.2 PPG season average. California is one of the better rebounding teams in Division I. The Golden Bears average 40.0 rebounds per game, making them the 36th-best team in the country for that category. The Golden Bears average 67.0 points allowed per game, but have damaged those numbers in the past 10 games, allowing 81.5 points per game during that span. The Golden Bears allow very few three-pointers on defense with 5.0 given up per game.
This game marks the first time these teams will play this season. The last time these conference rivals played, California won, bumping its SU record over their most recent meetings to 7-3. With a 7-3 record, the Golden Bears also have the advantage ATS. Neither team was able to hold the edge in field goals, rebounds, or three-pointers over the course of their latest five contests.
Predictions: SU Winner – Cal, ATS Winner – Cal
Notes
Washington State averages 71.8 points per game, placing the team just 168th in the nation. California ranks 60th in points allowed, giving up 67.0 points per game.
The California Golden Bears have a defensive rating of 98.5 (ranked 68th), while the Washington State Cougars have an offensive rating of 101.0 (ranked 266th).
Washington State averages 71.1 possessions per game, scoring 1.010 points on each possession. While California averages fewer possessions per game with 68.3, they score more points per possession with 1.101.
Washington State has an average effective field goal percentage of 51.9%. California is a losing 1-2 when opponents have a similar or higher effective field goal percentage.
On average, Washington State attempts 16.0 three pointers and California attempts 18.0. Both teams have winning records when they have 20 or more three point attempts. The Washington State Cougars sit at 5-2 and the California Golden Bears are 10-1.
California, the 36th-ranked team in rebounding, registers an average of 40.0 rebounds per game. Washington State does worse, ranked 275th with 34.3.
On average, California makes 4.0 steals per game. Washington State is a losing 8-17 when it allows at least 4 steals.
