NC State Wolfpack vs
California Golden BearsPredictions & Preview

NC State Looks for Redemption Against California in Highly Anticipated ACC Matchup on February 5th

The 2024-25 college basketball season is underway, with an upcoming Atlantic Coast Conference game between NC State and California on February 5th. The two teams previously faced off, with Cal winning as underdogs. California is currently favored by 3.5 points in their upcoming matchup. For more insights and predictions on this game and others in college basketball, continue reading our detailed analysis.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Wolfpack +130 | Golden Bears -150
• Spread: Wolfpack +3 (-110) | Golden Bears -3 (-110)
• Total: Over/Under 138 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that California will win straight-up is 60%.

NC State vs California Stats

NC State Wolfpack

The NC State Wolfpack have had a rough season, with a record of 9-12 (7-14 ATS). Their recent loss to Clemson extended their losing streak to six games, with their offense struggling to perform, shooting just 38.3% from the field. Senior guard Dontrez Styles led the team with 24 points in the game, averaging 10.2 points and 4.4 rebounds per game overall. The team ranks 286th in offense, scoring an average of 69.81 points per game, and 63rd in defense, allowing an average of 67.43 points per game against them. Defensively, NC State allows 44.00% of field goals and 75.57% of free throws, ranking 215th and 338th, respectively. Despite their challenges, the Wolfpack continue to work towards improvement.

California Golden Bears Analysis

The California Golden Bears recently faced a tough stretch of games, suffering consecutive losses to SMU and Syracuse. In their most recent game against Syracuse, the team struggled offensively, shooting just 28.6% from the field and only handing out four assists. Senior guard Jovan Blacksher and freshman Jeremiah Wilkinson led in scoring with 20 points each. Despite their offensive struggles, the Golden Bears maintain a power ranking of 160 and rank 162nd in offense, averaging 75.27 points per game. Defensively, they rank 290th, allowing an average of 75.55 points per game. Overall, California has a record of 11-11 and has faced challenges on both ends of the court.

NC State Favored to Win Rematch Against Cal Despite Offensive Struggles

The upcoming game between Cal and NC State is expected to be closely contested by bookmakers. Despite Cal's leading scorer being unavailable and their defensive performance being subpar, NC State faces challenges with their offensive game. In conference play, Cal ranks last in 3-point percentage and 16th in defending against 3-point shots. NC State struggles with scoring efficiency, ranking low in both field goal and 3-point percentages in the ACC. Considering these factors, the matchup leans in favor of NC State due to their strong defensive capabilities. In a previous game, NC State suffered a defeat to Cal, primarily due to poor shooting performance. However, NC State is expected to improve in their upcoming rematch and secure a victory over Cal.

Sources: [ 2 ] [ 3 ]