The San Francisco Dons (7-2) challenge the California Golden Bears (5-2) at War Memorial Gymnasium. The game starts at 11 p.m. ET on Wednesday, December 4, 2019, and will air on CBS Sports Network.
California Golden Bears vs. San Francisco Dons Betting Prediction
Although the Golden Bears topped the UC Davis Aggies in their last outing, 72-66, they were unable to cover as 12-point favorites. The game’s total points (138) finished over the O/U total of 125. California’s free throw rate was their biggest strength over UC Davis. The Golden Bears had a rate of 0.217 (below their season average of 0.247), while the Aggies posted a mark of 0.148 (below their season average of 0.223). California was led by Grant Anticevich, who recorded 13 points and 11 rebounds.
In the Dons’ last game, they fell to the Arizona State Sun Devils, 71-67. The game’s combined points (138) came in under the O/U total of 151.5. Arizona State’s 0.226 free throw rate was their biggest strength over San Francisco, who had a rate of 0.167. The Sun Devils’ mark was below their season average of 0.234, while the Dons’ was below their season average of 0.237. Jamaree Bouyea had a good performance for San Francisco, leading both teams in scoring with 17 points on 7-for-11 shooting.
The Dons won the only game against the Golden Bears last season, 79-60. The Dons had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (40.0 vs. 21.2) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.576 vs. 0.459).
California has a phenomenal 5-2 straight up (SU) record, but they struggle covering the spread (3-4 against the spread (ATS)). Of the Golden Bears’ seven games, four have finished over the total.
Meanwhile, San Francisco owns records of 7-2 SU and 4-3 ATS. Similarly to California, Dons games also have typically finished over the O/U total (100.0 percent).
The prolific offense of San Francisco will battle against the bottom-tier defense of California. Dating back to last season, the Dons rank 17th in offensive efficiency, while the Golden Bears are 338th in defensive efficiency. The Dons figure to have the edge on that end of the court. Furthermore, put-back points figure to be rare for the Golden Bears. They rank 325th in the nation in offensive rebounding percentage at 23.5 percent, while the Dons have been 22nd-best on the defensive glass (defensive rebounding percentage of 76.2 percent).
California at San Francisco Pick
Pick: ATS Winner – California, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
San Francisco ranks 70th in rebounds per game (37.6) while California ranks 319th (30.0).
The Dons rank 16th in assists allowed per game (10.3) while the Golden Bears rank 255th (14.5).
San Francisco ranks 66th in three pointers attempted per game (24.9) while California ranks 298th (18.2).
The Golden Bears average 3.2 blocks per game, which ranks 166th in the nation. The Dons rank 192nd in blocks allowed per game (3.6).
California allows the eighth-fewest steals per game (4.8) while San Francisco ranks 14th (4.9).
