Stanford Cardinal (10-8) vs. California Golden Bears (7-12)
Stanford Cardinal vs. California Golden Bears 1/26/24 – The upcoming NCAA Men’s Basketball showdown on Friday, presents a fascinating matchup between the Stanford Cardinal, holding a 10-8 record, and the California Golden Bears, currently at 7-12. This game is not just another clash in the world of college basketball, but a critical juncture for both teams looking to improve their standings. Fans and bettors alike are eagerly anticipating this match, making it a significant event for those seeking the best NCAAB picks.
The Cardinal have produced an admirable performance thus far; however, their recent record and inconsistent results against the spread indicate they still need time to find their stride. On the road they have struggled to cover spreads; when away games were involved they went 1-3 against spread. Their offensive strength can be seen with an average score of 79.3 per game thanks to their 48.2% field goal percentage; however their 12.9 turnovers per game could impede their offensive flow against teams such as Golden Bears.
The Golden Bears have shown flashes of brilliance despite their less impressive overall record, particularly against the spread where they have gone 4-1 over their last five games and 5-2 on road games. Averaging 75.6 points per game while emphasizing defensive rebounding (an average of 26.1 defensive rebounds per game), their field goal percentage stands at 43.1% with their gameplay being defined by a balanced offensive and defensive strategy which could help challenge Cardinal’s potent offense.
Stanford Cardinal vs. California Golden Bears 1/26/24 Game Info
| When: | Friday, January 26, 2024, at 10:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Haas Pavilion |
| TV: | FS1 |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Kanaan Carlyle (Guard) vs. Jaylon Tyson (Guard)
Kanaan Carlyle has been the catalyst for the Cardinal offense this season, averaging 15.7 points while shooting an efficient 47% from the field. The junior guard excels as a three-point shooter, knocking down nearly 45% of his attempts from deep. He contributes in other areas as well, averaging 3.5 rebounds and 2.9 assists. Carlyle does struggle with turnovers at times, coughing up the ball three times per contest. He will need to limit mistakes against Cal’s aggressive defense.
Jaylon Tyson has been the undisputed leader for the Golden Bears, leading the team in points, rebounds and steals. The talented guard is averaging 21 points per game on 49% shooting this season. He uses his athleticism to make an impact on the glass as well, collecting 7.2 rebounds per game from the guard spot. Tyson’s aggressiveness also translates to defense – he racks up 1.4 steals per contest. He will likely match up with Carlyle in a pivotal showdown.
This game will feature two stellar guard talents in Carlyle and Tyson. Both are elite scorers capable of taking over a game. Tyson has a slight edge rebounding and defensively thanks to his athleticism, while Carlyle is the superior perimeter shooter. Whichever player is able to exploit these mismatches could determine which school comes out on top in this rivalry clash.
NCAAB Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
The betting odds are currently TBD, but considering the recent performances and statistics, the game could go either way. Bettors should keep an eye on the odds as they are announced, considering the potential close nature of this matchup.
Stanford Cardinal Betting Trends
Stanford has posted a 3-2 record against the spread over their last 5 games. However, they have struggled to cover in recent road matchups, going just 1-3 against the number away from home. The Cardinal offense has been clicking lately, with the over hitting in 4 of their previous 5 contests. This trend is even more pronounced in road games, as 11 of Stanford’s last 14 away matchups have gone over the total.
California Golden Bears Betting Trends
The Golden Bears have been strong against the spread recently, covering in 4 of their last 5 games overall. That success has translated to home matchups as well, with California boasting a 5-2 record versus the number in their last 7 contests at Haas Pavilion. The Cal offense has also trended toward high-scoring affairs, with the over hitting in 3 of their last 5 games. Given their uptempo style of play, expect more of the same with the over hitting at home where it has already gone 7-5 in their 12 contests in Berkeley.
Stanford Cardinal vs. California Golden Bears 1/26/24 Betting Picks
In final analysis, this game presents a compelling matchup with each team bringing distinct strengths to the court. Stanford’s offensive prowess is countered by California’s balanced approach and strong performance against the spread.
When choosing a side, the expert handicapper selections might lean slightly towards California, given their recent success against the spread and Stanford’s struggles on the road. The over/under bet appears tricky, but considering both teams’ trends, a bet on the over might be worth considering.
Free Pick and Prediction: Stanford Cardinal 77, California Golden Bears 74