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  1. Home
  2. NCAAB Picks
  3. California Golden Bears vs SMU Mustangs
Wed 9:00 PM ET
California Golden Bears logo
California
Golden Bears65
22-12
versus
SMU Mustangs logo
SMU
Mustangs76
20-13
Final
Team12T
California Golden Bears293665
SMU Mustangs393776
NCAAB · California Golden Bears at SMU Mustangs

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California Golden Bears vs SMU Mustangs Betting Picks & Predictions

Game time: January 29, 2025 at 9:00 PM ET

Venue: Moody Coliseum — Dallas, TX

Article updated Jan 29, 1:17 AM EST

Published by SportsJaw Editorial Team

On Wednesday, January 29, the California Golden Bears will face off against the SMU Mustangs in a college hoops betting match-up at Moody Coliseum in Dallas, TX. This will be

Game outlook

On Wednesday, January 29, the California Golden Bears will face off against the SMU Mustangs in a college hoops betting match-up at Moody Coliseum in Dallas, TX. This will be the first meeting between the two teams since 2014, with SMU being favored by 11.5 points and a total of 152.5 points. SMU initially opened as a 12-point favorite. For more information on this California vs. SMU prediction and other NCAAB picks for Wednesday night, continue reading.

Betting Odds

Moneyline: Golden Bears +480 | Mustangs -685

Spread: Golden Bears +11.5 (-110) | Mustangs -11.5 (-110)

Total: Over/Under 153.5 (-110)

Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that SMU will win straight-up is 87%.

California Golden Bears

The California Golden Bears have shown improvement in their recent games, going 4-2 SU and 3-3 ATS in their last six outings. They are coming off three straight wins, including a close overtime victory against Miami. Freshman guard Jeremiah Wilkinson has been a standout player, scoring 30 points in the last game. Leading scorer Andrej Stojakovic is expected to return from injury for the upcoming matchup against the Mustangs. On the season, California ranks 176th in offense and 264th in defense, with notable shooting percentages and rebounding statistics. Their defensive performance could be a point of improvement moving forward.

21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Picks are opinions, not guarantees. Past results do not predict future outcomes.

SMU Mustangs Analysis

The SMU Mustangs have recently shown strong performances, with a 4-1 SU and 3-2 ATS record in their last five games. Despite a heavy loss to Louisville, the team bounced back with a win over NC State, led by freshman center Samet Yigitoglu who scored 20 points and grabbed seven rebounds. The Mustangs have an offensive ranking of #17, scoring an average of 84.16 points per game and shooting well from the field and the free-throw line. Defensively, they have room for improvement, allowing their opponents to shoot over 41% from the field. Overall, the Mustangs have a power ranking of 79 and are 15-5 (10-10 ATS) for the season.

SMU Mustangs Poised to End Cal Golden Bears' Winning Streak

I anticipate that the Mustangs will bring an end to the Golden Bears' current winning streak. In their recent victory over Miami, Cal displayed weaknesses in their defensive strategy. The Golden Bears allow an average of 109.4 points per 100 possessions in conference play, ranking 16th in the ACC, and have an adjusted defensive efficiency rating of 108.4 points per 100 possessions, placing them at 219th in the nation. SMU, on the other hand, boasts a strong offensive presence and arguably a superior defensive capability compared to Cal. The team excels in shooting 3-pointers, making 38.3% of their attempts, ranking 20th nationally, and limits their opponents to 45.2% shooting from inside the arc, also ranking 20th. With key players Samet Yigitoglu and Yohan Traore leading the defense, the Mustangs are well-equipped to secure a victory, making them a favorable choice to cover the 11.5-point spread.

SportsJawGame Predictions
Predicted score

Unavailable for this preview

Projected winnerUnavailableConfidencelow
Pick on the Spread

Published pick: Unavailable

Pick on the Total

Published pick: Unavailable

#CaliforniaGoldenBears#SMUMustangs

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Written by

SportsJaw Editorial Team

SportsJaw published this archived preview from its original game-day article. Its prediction and quoted lines are preserved as written.

About our editorial process

SportsJaw Golden Bears vs Mustangs archived game preview contains historical odds and availability that may no longer be current. View history of past Golden Bears vs Mustangs matchups or learn how our predictions work.

Current matchup data

Lines, trends and availability

Line movement since open

  • Moneyline · California Golden Bears+525 → +638Moved
  • Moneyline · SMU Mustangs-760 → -1,000Moved
  • Spread · California Golden Bears+12 (-110) → +13 (-110)Moved
  • Spread · SMU Mustangs-12 (-110) → -13 (-110)Moved
  • Total · Over151 (-110) → 151.5 (-110)Moved
  • Total · Under151 (-110) → 151.5 (-110)Moved

ATS and O/U trends

California Golden Bears
22-12 matchup record · 5-5-0 ATS · 4-6-0 O/U
Last 10 completed games on file
SMU Mustangs
20-13 matchup record · 6-4-0 ATS · 5-5-0 O/U
Last 10 completed games on file

Injuries and availability

From the published research (2025-01-29T06:17:07.342Z). Availability may have changed; review the cited sources.

The California Golden Bears have shown improvement in their recent games, going 4-2 SU and 3-3 ATS in their last six outings. They are coming off three straight wins, including a close overtime victory against Miami. Freshman guard Jeremiah Wilkinson has been a standout player, scoring 30 points in the last game. Leading scorer Andrej Stojakovic is expected to return from injury for the upcoming matchup against the Mustangs. On the season, California ranks 176th in offense and 264th in defense, with notable shooting percentages and rebounding statistics. Their defensive performance could be a point of improvement moving forward.

Recent head-to-head

No completed head-to-head result is available in the current history window.

Final result

Matchup pick recap

SMU Mustangs defeated California Golden Bears 76-65

SMU Mustangs defeated California Golden Bears 76-65 on January 29, 2025, a 11-point decision in the series. SMU Mustangs' strongest period was the 1st half, when it outscored its opponent 39-29. Against SportsJaw's recorded California Golden Bears +13 (-110) spread, California Golden Bears covered, while the 141 combined points finished under the recorded total of 151.5.

SportsJaw editorial picks

  • Projected winnerNo published selectionUnavailable

Tipster picks

  • HopkinspicksSpread · California Golden Bears +11.5 (-110)Win
  • EXCELent Sports PicksTotal · Under 150.5 (-110)Win