San Diego State vs California Prediction 12-21-24 College Basketball Picks
California (7-4) vs. San Diego State (7-2)
December 21, 2024 10:30 pm EDT
The Line: San Diego State -5.5; Over/Under: +147.5
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In this article we will formulate a San Diego State vs California prediction for this College Basketball game on Saturday, December 21st at the SAP Center in San Jose, California. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.
San Diego State Aztecs Betting Preview
The San Diego State Aztecs are 7-2 this season after they defeated Cal Baptist by a score of 81-75 in their last game. San Diego State led 40-33 at halftime and they were able to hang on for the win down the stretch. The Aztecs shot 54.9% from the field, 52.9% on three pointers, and 80% on free throws in the game. Miles Byrd led San Diego State with 19 points and two assists in the win.
Prior to that game, the Aztecs won three in a row against San Diego, Fresno State, and Houston. San Diego State has scored 75.7 points per game and they have allowed 64.7 points against per game, while also averaging 37.1 rebounds and 14.6 assists per game this season. Miles Byrd is averaging 13.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game, while San Diego State is shooting 46.4% from the field, 67.9% on free throws, and 38% on three pointers this year.
California Golden Bears Betting Preview
The California Golden Bears are 7-4 this year after they defeated Northwestern State by a score of 84-66 in their last game. California led 36-33 at halftime and they scored 48 points in the second half to pull away with the win. The Golden Bears shot 52.8% from the field, 48% on three pointers, and 76.2% on free throws in the game. Andrej Stojakovic led Cal with 31 points and seven rebounds in the game.
Prior to that win, the Golden Bears lost three in a row against Cornell, Stanford, and Missouri. California has scored 81.5 points per game and they have allowed 76.3 points against per game, while also averaging 37.7 rebounds and 11.2 assists per game this season. Andrej Stojakovic is averaging 19.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game, while Cal is shooting 47.5% from the field, 73.9% on free throws, and 38.1% on three pointers this year.
Why San Diego State will beat California
- California has lost each of its last 18 games against AP-ranked opponents.
- San Diego State has won each of its last six night games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- California has lost the first half in each of its last 14 games against AP-ranked opponents.
Matchup/League Facts
- San Diego State ranks 2nd among Division 1 teams for blocks per game this season (6.7).
- San Diego State ranks 5th among Division 1 teams for opponent field goal percentage this season (35.8%).
- California ranks 24th among Division 1 teams for opponent rebounds per game this season (30.5).
- California ranks 34th among Division 1 teams for free throws made per game this season (17.7).
San Diego State vs California Prediction
San Diego State comes into this matchup looking for their fifth win in a row, but they didn’t close out the game very well against Cal Baptist last time out. The Aztecs have been pretty strong defensively, but their defense is elite, as they are allowing just 64.7 points against per game this year. California has lost three of their last four games and they have allowed at least 88 points in all three of those losses. The Golden Bears do score quite a few points, but I can’t back their defense against a team like San Diego State. Take the Aztecs here.
