California vs Wake Forest Prediction 2/8/25 College Basketball Picks Today

In this article we will formulate a California vs Wake Forest prediction for this College Basketball game on Saturday, February 8th at Haas Pavilion in Berkeley, California. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

California Golden Bears Betting Preview

The California Golden Bears are 12-11 (5-7) this year after they defeated NC State by a score of 74-62 in their last game. California led 34-30 at halftime and they added 40 points in the second half for the win. The Golden Bears shot 42.2% from the field, 42.9% on three pointers, and 91.7% on free throws in the game. Jovan Blacksher Jr. led California with 18 points and two assists, while Jeremiah Wilkinson added 14 points and four assists in the win. 

Prior to that game, the Golden Bears lost to Syracuse by a score of 75-66 and SMU by a score of 76-65. California has won four of their last six games and they are currently right in the middle of the ACC standings with a 5-7 record. California has scored 75.2 points per game and they have allowed 75.0 points against per game, while also averaging 37.4 rebounds and 10.5 assists per game this season. Andrej Stojakovic is averaging 18.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game, while Jeremiah Wilkinson is averaging 13.4 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game this year. California is shooting 42.4% from the field, 75.5% on free throws, and 31.8% on three pointers this season. 

Wake Forest Demon Deacons Betting Preview

The Wake Forest Demon Deacons are 17-6 (9-3) this season after they defeated Stanford by a score of 79-73 in their last game. Wake Forest led 40-37 at halftime and added 39 points in the second half in the win. The Demon Deacons shot 52.1% from the field, 33.3% on three pointers, and 75.8% on free throws in the game. Cameron Hildreth led Wake Forest with 22 points and two rebounds, while Hunter Sallis added 19 points and seven rebounds in the win. 

Prior to that victory, the Demon Deacons defeated Pittsburgh by a score of 76-74, but did lose to Louisville by a score of 72-59 before that. Wake Forest has won eight of their last ten games and they are currently tied for fourth in the ACC standings. Wake Forest has scored 70.1 points per game and they have allowed 66.5 points against per game, while also averaging 33.5 rebounds and 11.3 assists per game this season. Hunter Sallis is averaging 18.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game, while Cameron Hildreth is averaging 14.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game this year. Wake Forest is shooting 44.7% from the field, 75.2% on free throws, and 28.8% on three pointers this season. 

Why Wake Forest will beat California

• Wake Forest has won each of its last 13 games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• California has lost three of its last four day games.
• The road team has won the first half in seven of Wake Forest’s last eight games.

Matchup/League Facts

• California ranks T18th among Division 1 teams for free throws made per game this season (17.3).
• California ranks 29th among Division 1 teams for opponent three-point field goal attempts per game this season (19.3).
• Wake Forest ranks 364th among Division 1 teams for opponent free throw percentage this season (78.5%).
• Wake Forest ranks T11th among Division 1 teams for opponent blocks per game this season (2.2).

California vs Wake Forest Prediction 

Wake Forest comes into this matchup looking for their third straight win and they have been one of the best teams in the ACC so far this year, but they will be on the road here. The Demon Deacons are only shooting 44.7% from the field this year, but they have scored 76 and 79 points in their last two games. California did snap a two game losing streak with a win over NC State earlier this week, but they are shooting just 42.4% from the field. The Golden Bears are allowing 75 points against per game on defense and I think they are going to struggle to get stops once again here. I really like this Wake Forest team and I think they can steal another game here. Take the Demon Deacons.