The California Golden Bears (7-15, 1-8 Pac-12), who are currently on an eight-game skid, look to get back in the win column when they welcome the Oregon Ducks (14-7, 4-4 Pac-12) to Haas Pavilion. The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 145 points with Oregon set as an 8.5-point favorite. Tip-off is set for 9 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 1, 2018, and it can be seen on Pac-12 Network.
Oregon Ducks at California Golden Bears Betting Preview
In the Ducks’ last game, they were victorious over the Oregon State Beavers, 66-57. Elijah Brown was the game’s high scorer with 20 points on 4-for-10 shooting. Oregon played a nearly flawless game. They had an absurd free throw rate of 0.404 (above their season average of 0.242) and a turnover percentage of 14.8 (better than their season average of 15.4). Oregon State had marks of 0.250 and 17.9, respectively, for those same stats.
The Golden Bears are trying to rebound after their 77-59 loss to the No. 25 USC Trojans in their last game. Marcus Lee was the top scorer from either team with 23 points on 10-for-14 shooting. USC forced the Golden Bears into a turnover percentage of 24.1 (above their season average of 17.8). California, on the other hand, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (36.8 vs. 29.7).
The physical California offense looks poised to dominate from the charity stripe. The Golden Bears rank 68th in the NCAA with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.273, while Oregon is among the nation’s most foul-prone squads (giving up a 327th-ranked FTA rate of 0.309). Moreover, the Ducks rank 47th in offensive efficiency (113.2), while the Golden Bears rank 322nd in defensive efficiency (111.3).
Of Oregon’s 19 games that accepted bets, 10 have finished under the O/U total, while 10 of California’s 19 games have finished under the projected point total. Looking at straight up (SU) and against the spread (ATS) records, the Ducks have a significant advantage. They are 14-7 SU and 9-11 ATS, while the Golden Bears are 7-15 SU and 7-12 ATS.
Justice Sueing has been playing at a high level over the last five games for California, averaging 19.2 points, 7.6 rebounds and 1.8 steals per game.
This is the first time these teams will meet this year. The Ducks won all three contests played against each other last season. In the last matchup, Oregon won 73-65. The Ducks dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had a phenomenal free throw rate of 0.321 and a turnover percentage of 13.1. The Golden Bears put up marks of 0.255 and 15.4, respectively, for those same stats.
Oregon Ducks vs. California Golden Bears ATS Prediction
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Oregon, ATS Winner – Oregon, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- The Ducks rank 36th in rebounds allowed per game (31.8) while the Golden Bears rank 110th (34.1).
- Oregon ranks 48th in steals allowed per game (5.4) while California ranks 104th (6.2).
- On the road, Oregon is 3-4 ATS with 4 unders and 3 overs.
- California is 3-8 ATS at home with 6 overs, 4 unders and 1 push.
- Oregon ranks 45th in three pointers attempted per game (25.8) while California ranks 290th (15.3).
- The Ducks rank 57th in assists per game (15.8) while the Golden Bears rank 254th (10.6).
- Oregon ranks 22nd in blocks allowed per game (2.4) while California ranks 128th (3.8).
Bettings Trends:
- California is 2-3 ATS with 5 unders in their last five games.
- Over their last five games, Oregon is 3-2 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
- The Golden Bears’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 17.0, up from 8.5 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Ducks have scored an average of 77.8 points per game (2.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 77.0 points per game (5.1 above their season average).