The Washington Huskies (18-10, 8-7 Pac-12) will travel to Haas Pavilion to take on the California Golden Bears (8-20, 2-13 Pac-12) in their home finale. Tip-off is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 24, 2018, and it can be seen on Pac-12 Network.
Washington Huskies at California Golden Bears Betting Preview
In the Huskies last game, they were beaten by the Stanford Cardinal, 94-78. Washington’s Noah Dickerson contributed 14 points and 13 rebounds in the contest. Stanford had a free throw rate of 0.474 (above their season average of 0.279). Washington, meanwhile, had a better turnover percentage (15.7 vs. 17.1).
The Golden Bears are hoping for a better outcome after their 78-76 loss to the Washington State Cougars in their last matchup. Justice Sueing was the top scorer from either team with 25 points on 9-for-17 shooting. Washington State did a terrific job of converting from the charity stripe (13-18; 72.2 percent). California, meanwhile, held the Cougars to an offensive rebounding percentage of 20.0 (below their season average of 25.1).
This has potential to be a sloppy game for the offense of California. California ranks 301st in the nation in ball protection (turnover percentage of 20.9 percent), while the ball-hawking defense of Washington forces the 47th-most turnovers in the NCAA (21.5 percent).
These teams have already met once this season. The Huskies won 66-56. Washington’s free throw rate was their largest advantage over California. The Huskies had a rate of 0.295, while the Golden Bears posted a mark of 0.135. In the loss, Sueing led all scorers with 27 points.
Washington Huskies at California Golden Bears Odds Prediction
Free College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – California, ATS Winner – California, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- The Huskies rank 230th in three pointers attempted per game (19.6) while the Golden Bears rank 301st (15.8).
- Washington ranks 230th in assists per game (11.9) while California ranks 266th (10.4).
- Washington ranks 22nd in blocks per game (5.1) while California ranks 152nd in blocks allowed per game (3.9).
- The Golden Bears rank 129th in rebounds per game (35.9) while the Huskies rank 228th (33.7).
- Washington averages 8.4 steals per game, which ranks 12th in the NCAA. California ranks 102nd in steals allowed per game (6.1).
Betting Trends:
- The Golden Bears average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 8.0, down from 8.5 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Huskies have scored an average of 70.4 points per game (4.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 77.0 points per game (3.6 above their season average).
