The California Golden Bears (4-1) challenge the No. 22 Texas Longhorns (4-1) in the 2k Empire Classic at Madison Square Garden. The game is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. ET on Friday, November 22, 2019.
Texas Longhorns vs. California Golden Bears Free Prediction
The Longhorns are trying to rebound after their 82-66 loss to the Georgetown Hoyas in their last matchup. One of Georgetown’s biggest advantages was getting to the free throw line. They had 28 free throw attempts, while Texas had just 10. Matt Coleman III was the game’s leading scorer with 22 points on 7-for-11 shooting.
The last time the Golden Bears played, they were blown out by the No. 1 Duke Blue Devils, 87-52. Duke’s rebounding was their largest advantage. The Blue Devils had more offensive rebounds (23 vs. eight), defensive rebounds (27 vs. 20) and total rebounds (50 vs. 28). With eight points, California’s D.J. Thorpe had a solid performance.
Half-court execution will be critical when two of the nation’s slowest-paced teams battle. California ranks 264th in possessions per game (67.7) and Texas is 296th (66.8) since the 2018-19 season.
Texas Longhorns vs. California Golden Bears Odds Pick
Pick: ATS Winner – CaliforniaÂ
Bettings Trends:
Texas ranks 54th in three pointers attempted per game (25.4) while California ranks 290th (18.6).
The Longhorns rank 33rd in assists allowed per game (11.0) while the Golden Bears rank 244th (14.6).
Texas averages 4.1 blocks per game, which ranks 70th in the nation. California ranks 147th in blocks allowed per game (3.3).
The Longhorns rank 245th in rebounds per game (34.0) while the Golden Bears rank 322nd (29.7).
California is 11th in the country with 4.9 steals allowed per game while Texas is 34th with 5.2 steals allowed per game.
