California vs. Arizona Predictions – NCAAB Picks – Thursday, Feb. 1

Jan 17, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats guard Caleb Love (2) celebrates a three point basket with the Arizona Wildcats bench against the USC Trojansduring the first half at McKale Center.
Image Credit: Zachary BonDurant-USA TODAY Sports

We have your California Bears vs. Arizona Wildcats prop betting and game preview needs covered as the California Bears hit the road to face the Arizona Wildcats.

The Arizona Wildcats (15-5) are set to host the California Golden Bears (8-12) in a Pac-12 showdown at the McKale Center. With Arizona looking to extend their home winning streak and Cal aiming to upset the odds, this matchup promises to be an intriguing battle on the hardwood.

California Bears vs. Arizona Wildcats Odds Info

Moneyline: California Bears +1280 (FanDuel) / Arizona Wildcats -1799 (PointsBet)

Spread: -17.5 – California Bears -102 (FanDuel) / Arizona Wildcats -110 (BetPARX)

Total: 158.5 – -110 (FanDuel) / -110 (FanDuel)

Game Info

Date: Thursday, Feb. 01

Time: 08:30 PM

Location: McKale Center – Tucson, AZ

TV: Pac-12 Network

California Bears Betting Trends

  • On the road, California Bears are 1 and 3 this season.
  • Against the spread this season, California Bears are 10 and 10.
  • Against the spread on the road, California Bears are 5 and 2.

Arizona Wildcats Betting Trends

  • At home, Arizona Wildcats are 10 and 0 this season.
  • Against the spread this season, Arizona Wildcats are 13 and 7.
  • Against the spread at home, Arizona Wildcats are 10 and 3.

California Bears vs. Arizona Wildcats Predictions

The Arizona Wildcats enter this game with a strong 15-5 record, including a perfect 10-0 at home, and are on a five-game winning streak. They are looking to continue their dominance after a commanding 100-81 victory over Cal earlier this season. The Wildcats have been relying heavily on the scoring prowess of Caleb Love, who is coming off a career-high 36-point effort. Arizona’s offensive strength will be a key factor, as they aim to exploit Cal’s defensive vulnerabilities.

On the other side, the California Golden Bears, holding an 8-12 record, are facing an uphill battle. Despite their struggles, Cal has shown signs of life with a two-game winning streak, including a tight victory over Stanford. The Bears will need to focus on limiting turnovers, which have been a significant issue in past games. Jaylon Tyson, leading the Pac-12 in scoring, will be crucial for Cal’s offense, provided he has recovered from his recent leg injury.

This game will likely hinge on key matchups, particularly how well Cal’s defense can contain Arizona’s high-scoring offense. The Wildcats’ ability to spread the floor and hit shots from beyond the arc could be the deciding factor. Additionally, Cal’s performance on the road, where they have only one win, will be tested against Arizona’s solid home-court advantage. With both teams looking to make a statement in the conference, this game has all the makings of a classic Pac-12 encounter.

California Bears vs. Arizona Wildcats Pick

The matchup between the California Golden Bears and the Arizona Wildcats presents a strong case for the Over. Arizona’s high-powered offense, which has led them to a perfect home record and a five-game winning streak, suggests they will put up a significant number of points against Cal’s defense. The Wildcats have a history of scoring big against the Golden Bears, as evidenced by their 100-81 victory earlier this season. Additionally, the Over has hit in 10 of Arizona’s games this season, indicating a trend towards high-scoring affairs when they take the court.

While Cal has had its struggles, they are coming off two consecutive wins and have shown the ability to score in bunches, particularly if Jaylon Tyson is healthy and active for the game. The Bears will be motivated to keep pace with Arizona’s scoring, and given that the Over has hit in 13 of their games this season, there’s reason to believe they will contribute to pushing the total score above the line. Considering these factors, along with the offensive capabilities of both teams, the Over seems to be the right pick for this Pac-12 showdown.

The Pick: Over 158.5 -110 (FanDuel)