It will be a battle between Pac-12 opponents when the Washington State Cougars (8-8, 0-4 Pac-12) welcome the California Golden Bears (7-10, 1-3 Pac-12) to Wallis Beasley Performing Arts Coliseum. The game starts at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 13, 2018, and will air on Pac-12 Network.
California Golden Bears vs. Washington State Cougars Betting Prediction
The last time the Golden Bears played, they were beaten by the Washington Huskies, 66-56. Washington’s 0.295 free throw rate was their biggest strength over California, who had a rate of 0.135. The Huskies’ mark was above their season average of 0.281, while the Golden Bears’ was below their season average of 0.303. Justice Sueing was the top scorer from either team with 27 points on 11-for-16 shooting.
The Cougars fell to the Stanford Cardinal in their last game, 79-70. Stanford’s free throw rate was their biggest strength over Washington State. The Cardinal had a rate of 0.269 (below their season average of 0.296), while the Cougars posted a mark of 0.172. With 24 points on 7-for-21 shooting, Malachi Flynn was Washington State’s leading scorer.
Looking at effective field goal percentage, Washington State should have a significant edge. The elite Cougars offense ranks 64th in the nation in that metric at 0.545, while the California defense is ranked 312th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.540). Moreover, the Golden Bears rank 28th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.294), while the Cougars rank 34th in opponents’ FTA rate (0.181).
After the Golden Bears won the only game against the Cougars last season, 58-54, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. The Golden Bears had a much better free throw rate (0.235 vs. 0.073) and had a much better turnover percentage (10.5 vs. 16.2).
California Golden Bears at Washington State Cougars ATS Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – California, ATS Winner – California, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Washington State ranks fifth in three pointers attempted per game (30.6) while California ranks 276th (14.7).
The Cougars rank 86th in assists per game (14.9) while the Golden Bears rank 227th (11.0).
California ranks 20th in blocks per game (5.5) while Washington State ranks 157th (2.4).
The Golden Bears rank 122nd in rebounds per game (36.6) while the Cougars rank 196th in rebounds allowed per game (36.9).
Washington State ranks 49th in steals allowed per game (5.6) while California ranks 100th (6.4).
Bettings Trends:
The Golden Bears’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 14.6, up from 5.9 for the season.
During their last five games, the Cougars have scored an average of 74.8 points per game (0.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 78.4 points per game (2.9 above their season average).
