The California Golden Bears (5-14, 0-7 Pac-12) will attempt to put an end to their eight-game losing streak when they go head-to-head with the Utah Runnin’ Utes (10-8, 4-2 Pac-12) at Haas Pavilion. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 26, 2019, and will air on ESPNU.
Utah Runnin’ Utes vs. California Golden Bears Free Prediction
In the Runnin’ Utes’ last outing, they beat the Stanford Cardinal, 70-66. Utah was 9-14 on three pointers (64.3 percent), while Stanford was 4-17 (23.5 percent). Utah was led by Sedrick Barefield, who led the team in scoring with 18 points on 5-for-9 shooting.
The Golden Bears lost to the Colorado Buffaloes in their last matchup, 68-59. Colorado’s offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest advantage over California. The Buffaloes had a rate of 20.0 (below their season average of 31.0), while the Golden Bears posted a mark of 11.1 (below their season average of 24.7). With 13 points and seven assists, Paris Austin put together a solid performance for California.
After the Runnin’ Utes won the lone contest against the Golden Bears last season, 77-43, these teams will meet for the first time this year. The Runnin’ Utes had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.676 vs. 0.340) and had a better free throw rate (0.157 vs. 0.132).
Half-court execution will be at a premium when two of the country’s slowest-paced teams go head-to-head. California ranks 277th in possessions per game (67.7) and Utah is 302nd (67.0). Additionally, the Runnin’ Utes rank 59th in offensive efficiency (111.8), while the Golden Bears rank 352nd in defensive efficiency (115.8).
Utah Runnin’ Utes vs. California Golden Bears ATS Pick
Pick: SU Winner – California, ATS Winner – California, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Utah ranks 85th in assists per game (14.6) while California ranks 252nd (10.3).
The Runnin’ Utes rank 100th in three pointers attempted per game (24.3) while the Golden Bears rank 262nd (18.7).
Utah ranks 34th in rebounds allowed per game (31.7) while California ranks 163rd (35.3).
The Golden Bears rank 20th in steals allowed per game (5.0) while the Runnin’ Utes rank 66th (5.7).
California averages 2.9 blocks per game, which is ranked 123rd in the nation. Utah ranks 125th in blocks allowed per game (3.8).
Bettings Trends:
The Runnin’ Utes’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 2.4, up from 1.6 for the season.
During their last five games, the Golden Bears have scored an average of 60.2 points per game (6.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 77.6 points per game (2.5 above their season average).
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