California vs Virginia Prediction 1/7/26 College Basketball Picks Today

In this article, we will formulate a California vs Virginia Prediction for this College Basketball game on Wednesday, January 7^th. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

Virginia Cavaliers Preview

Virginia Cavaliers have a 12-2 record this season and are tied for 7th place in the ACC. They have an 8-0 home record and are coming off a 76-61 away win against NC State. Their previous three games were a 95-85 away loss against Virginia Tech, a 95-51 home win against American and an 80-72 home win against Maryland.

Offensively, Virginia averages 86.2 points per game, while allowing 68.1 points per game defensively. The Cavaliers shoot with 48% from the field and grab 42.1 rebounds per game, while dishing out 17.2 assists per game. They average 6.3 blocks per game and 7.3 steals per game defensively.

Thijs De Ridder leads Virginia in scoring, with an average of 16.4 points per game, while shooting with 53.8% from the field and 63.2% from the free throw line. Johann Grunloh is the team’s leading rebounder with 6.9 per game, while Dallin Hall adds a team-high 4.1 assists per game.

California Golden Bears Preview

California Golden Bears have a 13-2 record this season and are tied for 5th place in the ACC. They have a 0-1 away record and are coming off a 72-71 home win against Notre Dame. Their previous three games were a 90-70 home loss against Louisville, a 74-56 home win against Columbia and a 97-50 home win against Morgan State.

Offensively, California averages 81.5 points per game, while allowing 68.5 points per game defensively. The Golden Bears shoot with 46% from the field and grab 35.5 rebounds per game, while dishing out 15 assists per game. They average 4.0 blocks per game and 6.3 steals per game defensively.

Dai Dai Ames leads California in scoring, with an average of 17.6 points per game, while shooting with 49.5% from the field and 81.3% from the free throw line. Lee Dort is the team’s leading rebounder with 7.9 per game, while Justin Pippen adds a team-high 4.2 assists per game.

California Golden Bears @ Virginia Cavaliers Betting Trends: January 7, 2026

Why the Virginia Cavaliers will win

• Virginia has won each of its last 10 games at John Paul Jones Arena against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• California has lost 22 of its last 23 games against AP-ranked opponents.
• California has lost the first half in each of its last 19 games against AP-ranked opponents.

Why the California Golden Bears will win

• California has won 10 of its last 11 games.
• Virginia has lost four of its last five games at John Paul Jones Arena following a road win.
• Virginia has lost the first half in three of its last four night games against Conference opponents.

Total Points Facts

• Each of Virginia’s last 36 night games against Conference opponents at John Paul Jones Arena have produced a total of 146 or fewer points.
• Seven of California’s last eight games against Conference opponents have produced a total of 151+ points.

Matchup/League Facts

• Virginia ranks T4th among Division 1 teams for blocks per game this season (6.3).
• Virginia ranks 12th among Division 1 teams for opponent blocks per game this season (2.2).
• California ranks 1st among Division 1 teams for opponent steals per game this season (4.2).
• California ranks T12th among Division 1 teams for turnovers per game this season (9.5).

California vs Virginia Prediction

In this California vs Virginia Prediction, Virginia is coming as -12.5 home favorites. Both teams have been excellent this season and have almost identical overall records with just two defeats each in their 14 and 15 games played. Virginia has been undefeated at home and are 5-3 against the spread in its last 8 games, while Cal has lost its only road game and is 2-5 against the spread in its last 7. Virginia also has a better offense, scoring 4.7 points per game more than Cal and combined with its strong home court presence, I expect them to take care of business in this matchup. Take Virginia and lay the points.