Wake Forest Demon Deacons vs California Golden Bears NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 2/8/25
Planning on watching today’s Demon Deacons and Golden Bears game? Catch the action at Haas Pavilion in Berkeley, CA, as the Golden Bears hosts this showdown at 5:00 ET on ACCN. Wake Forest is favored by -2.5 in this Atlantic Coast conference matchup the against California. The over/under for the game is set at 140.5 points.
WAKE FOREST DEMON DEACONS VS CALIFORNIA GOLDEN BEARS BETTING PICK
The Pick: California Golden Bears +2.5
This game will be played at Haas Pavilion at 5:00 ET on Saturday, February 8th.
WHY BET THE CALIFORNIA GOLDEN BEARS:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 74-72 in favor of the Golden Bears.
- Not only will California pick up the win, but look for them to cover at +2.5.
- The over/under is currently sitting at 140.5 points, and we like the over with a projected 146 points.
Does Wake Forest Have What it Takes to Win as Road Favorites?
Wake Forest Demon Deacons Recent Game/Games
Wake Forest improved to 17-6 on the season with a 79-73 road win over Stanford on Wednesday. The Demon Deacons entered the game as +2.5 point underdogs but managed to cover the spread with the victory.
Wake Forest led 40-37 at halftime and continued to outpace Stanford in the second half, scoring 39 points while allowing 36. The game’s total points of 152 exceeded the O/U line of 138.5.
Wake Forest put up 79 points in their last game, shooting 52.1% from the field and 56.2% in effective field goal percentage. They hit 58.3% of their two-point attempts (21/36) and went 4/12 from three-point range, shooting 33.3%. At the free-throw line, they connected on 75.8%, making 25 of 33 attempts.
Cameron Hildreth led the way with 22 points, shooting 70.0% overall and 66.7% from three (2/3). Hunter Sallis added 19 points and 7 rebounds, while Maxime Raynaud contributed 16 points and 10 boards, despite shooting just 14.3% from deep (1/7). Chisom Okpara was efficient, hitting 75.0% of his shots and 66.7% from beyond the arc (2/3) in just 19 minutes.
Wake Forest’s defense gave up 73 points in their last game, with the opponent shooting 42% from the field, hitting 24 of 56 shots. Inside the arc, they were 18/32, good for 56% shooting.
From three-point range, the opponent shot 6/24, or 25%. Wake Forest also sent them to the line 21 times, where they made 19 free throws, shooting 90%. The Demon Deacons allowed 12 offensive rebounds.
Does California Have a Shot at a Home Win?
California Golden Bears Recent Game/Games
California improved to 12-11 on the season with a 74-62 win over NC State on Wednesday. The Golden Bears were favored by 2.5 points and covered the spread, while the game’s total points of 136 fell just short of the 139.5 O/U line.
Cal led 34-30 at halftime and pulled away in the second half, outscoring the Wolfpack 40-32 to secure the win at home.
California put up 74 points in their last game, shooting 42.2% from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was 50%, thanks in part to hitting 42.9% from three-point range, connecting on 9 of 21 attempts.
At the free-throw line, the Golden Bears were nearly perfect, making 11 of 12 shots for 91.7%. Marcus Hill led the way with 20 points and 8 rebounds, while Jovan Blacksher Jr. added 18 points, hitting 4 of 7 from beyond the arc.
California’s defense held their opponent to 62 points on 42% shooting from the field. They allowed 18 two-point baskets on 43 attempts, a 41% shooting rate.
From beyond the arc, their opponent shot 42%, making 9 of 21 threes. They also went to the line 12 times, hitting 11 free throws for 91%. California gave up 12 offensive rebounds.