The California Golden Bears (10-11, 4-4 Pac-12) look to snap their five-game road losing streak in a matchup against the No. 24 Colorado Buffaloes (17-5, 7-3 Pac-12) at CU Events Center. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 6, 2020, and will air on Pac-12 Network.
California Golden Bears at Colorado Buffaloes Betting Prediction
In the Golden Bears’ last contest, they defeated the Oregon State Beavers, 69-67. California had an effective field goal percentage of 0.529 (above their season average of 0.471). Oregon State, meanwhile, did a fantastic job of converting from the free throw line (24-30; 80.0 percent). California was lifted by Matt Bradley, who was the game’s leading scorer with 23 points on 7-for-11 shooting.
The Buffaloes had no trouble getting past the USC Trojans in their last matchup, 78-57. The Buffaloes knocked down 15 of their 17 free throws (88.2 percent) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.606 (above their season average of 0.504). With 12 points, eight assists and six rebounds, McKinley Wright IV put together a good game for Colorado.
After the Buffaloes won both matchups against the Golden Bears last season, these teams will meet for the first time this year. In the last contest, Colorado won 56-51. Colorado out-rebounded California. The Buffaloes had 10 offensive rebounds and 40 total rebounds, while the Golden Bears had two and 19, respectively.
From an effective field goal percentage perspective, Colorado should have a noteworthy edge. The Buffaloes defense ranks 35th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.451), while the California offense is ranked 288th in effective field goal percentage (0.474). Also, the Golden Bears rank 276th in offensive rebounding percentage (25.4 percent), while the Buffaloes rank 49th in defensive rebounding percentage (75.5 percent).
California Golden Bears vs. Colorado Buffaloes Pick
Free Prediction: ATS Winner – California, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
California ranks eighth in steals allowed per game (4.6) while Colorado ranks 195th (7.6).
The Buffaloes rank 100th in assists per game (13.9) while the Golden Bears rank 266th (9.4).
Colorado ranks 77th in rebounds per game (37.8) while California ranks 238th (33.0).
The Buffaloes rank 29th in three pointers allowed per game (18.3) while the Golden Bears rank 125th (21.2).
The Golden Bears’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 8.6, up from 4.8 for the season.
During their last five games, the Buffaloes have scored an average of 70.8 points per game (1.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 64.4 points per game (2.4 above their season average).