The California Golden Bears (6-6) challenge the Portland State Vikings (6-3) at Haas Pavilion. The game can be seen on Pac-12 Network at 11 p.m. ET on Thursday, December 21, 2017.
California is a 3.5-point favorite on the opening line, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 169 points.
Portland State Vikings at California Golden Bears Betting Prediction
In the Vikings’ last game, they were defeated by the Oregon Ducks, 95-84. Getting to the charity stripe was one of Oregon’s largest strengths. They had 26 free throw attempts, while Portland State had 19. Bryce Canda was the game’s high scorer with 31 points on 9-for-21 shooting.
The Golden Bears dismantled the Seattle Redhawks in their last contest, 81-59. The Golden Bears had an extraordinarily low turnover percentage of 7.5 (better than their season average of 18.5), while the Redhawks had a free throw rate of 0.121 (below their season average of 0.255). With 16 points, six assists and five rebounds, Don Coleman played well for California.
This has potential to be a mistake-prone game for the offense of California. Since the 2016-17 season, California ranks 269th in the nation in ball protection (turnover percentage of 19.4 percent), while the gambling defense of Portland State has forced the 17th-most turnovers in the nation (23.0 percent).
Portland State heads into the game with records of 6-3 straight up (SU) and 9-0 against the spread (ATS). Games involving the Vikings have typically finished over the projected point total (66.7 percent).
Meanwhile, California is 6-6 SU and 4-5 ATS. Golden Bears games also tend to go over the total (55.6 percent).
Portland State Vikings vs. California Golden Bears Free Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Portland State, ATS Winner – Portland State, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
Portland State ranks 40th in three pointers attempted per game (23.3) while California ranks 279th (18.2).
The Golden Bears rank 100th in rebounds allowed per game (32.7) while the Vikings rank 250th (38.7).
California averages 5.0 blocks per game, which ranks 12th in the NCAA. Portland State ranks 154th in blocks allowed per game (3.2).
The Vikings rank 12th in steals per game (9.8) while the Golden Bears rank 109th (5.3).
Portland State ranks 104th in assists per game (15.6) while California ranks 200th in assists allowed per game (12.6).
