California vs Stanford Prediction – College Basketball Picks 3/7/24

The California Golden Bears and Stanford Cardinal face off on Thursday in a college basketball showdown at Maples Pavillion. Stanford and Cal have both struggled heading into this game. 

Stanford Has Lost Six Games in a Row

Stanford has lost six games in a row and the defense really hasn’t given them much of a chance. Stanford in the last game faced off against Colorado and the defense gave up 81 points and they ended up losing by 10 points. Maxime Raynaud had a strong game putting up 266 points, 12 rebounds, and two assists. Stanford is averaging 76.3 points while their defense is giving up 77 points per game. The defense is ranked 311th in the league. Maxime Raynaud is averaging 15.5 points while shooting 57.3 percent from the field and 39.2 percent from behind the three point line. 

California Coming off Blowout Loss

California faced off against Utah in the last game and they were blown out. California scored 59 points while the defense gave up 88 points and that led to the defeat. Jalen Cone had a strong game putting up 19 points, four rebounds, and three assists, but it wasn’t enough. California is averaging 74.4 points while their defense is giving up 76.6 points per game. Jaylon Tyson has been the top player for California averaging 19.8 points while shooting 47 percent from the field and 35.4 percent from behind three point line. 

Stanford vs California Betting Prediction

Stanford has lost six games in a row and even at home, I don’t really trust them. Stanford gave up 81 points in the last game and they are going to struggle against the Cal offense. Look for Tyson to have another big game here, and that is going to be the difference here as the Golden Bears are going to get the job done. It’s going to be an ugly game, but California is going to cover the spread. 

Shane Mickle's Pick: California +3.5