Both teams look to put an end to their losing streaks as the Washington State Cougars (7-9, 0-3 Pac-12) challenge the California Golden Bears (5-11, 0-4 Pac-12) at Wallis Beasley Performing Arts Coliseum. The Cougars have lost their last six games, while the Golden Bears have lost five consecutive games. The game will air on Pac-12 Network at 10 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 17, 2019.
California Golden Bears at Washington State Cougars Betting Prediction
The last time the Golden Bears played, they were thoroughly outplayed by the Arizona Wildcats, 87-65. Arizona couldn’t miss, shooting 56.1 percent from the field. California, on the other hand, had a field goal percentage of just 34.5. Justice Sueing was the top scorer from either team with 27 points on 8-for-13 shooting.
The Cougars got blown out by the Utah Runnin’ Utes in their last outing, 88-70. Utah’s effective field goal percentage was their biggest advantage over Washington State. The Runnin’ Utes had a rate of 0.625 (above their season average of 0.547), while the Cougars posted a mark of 0.398 (below their season average of 0.544). Washington State’s CJ Elleby had a good performance, leading both teams in scoring with 21 points on 6-for-16 shooting.
After the Cougars won both matchups against the Golden Bears last season, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. In the last contest, Washington State won 78-76. The Cougars knocked down 13 of their 18 free throws (72.2 percent) and had a better turnover percentage (13.5 vs. 15.5).
Washington State should have the advantage on the offensive side of the ball. The Cougars currently rank 99th in offensive efficiency, while the Golden Bears rank 350th in defensive efficiency. Also, the Golden Bears, who rank 15th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.306), will square off against the Cougars, who rank 17th in opponents’ FTA rate (0.169).
California Golden Bears at Washington State Cougars Odds Pick
Free College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Washington State, ATS Winner – Washington State, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Washington State ranks 46th in three pointers attempted per game (26.2) while California ranks 243rd (18.9).
The Cougars rank 71st in assists per game (15.0) while the Golden Bears rank 189th in assists allowed per game (15.0).
Washington State ranks 196th in rebounds per game (34.4) while California ranks 266th (29.1).
The Golden Bears rank 27th in steals allowed per game (5.1) while the Cougars rank 95th (6.2).
Washington State is 24th in the country with 2.4 blocks allowed per game while California is 37th with 2.6 blocks allowed per game.
Bettings Trends:
The Golden Bears’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 13.8, up from 7.0 for the season.
During their last five games, the Cougars have scored an average of 68.0 points per game (11.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 83.8 points per game (5.4 above their season average).
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