California Golden Bears vs Missouri Tigers NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 12/3/24

The Golden Bears and Tigers are set to face off at 7:00 ET on SECN. The Tigers will host the game at Mizzou Arena in Columbia, MO. The over/under line for this matchup is currently at 150.5 points, and Missouri is favored by -9 at home against California.

CALIFORNIA GOLDEN BEARS VS MISSOURI TIGERS BETTING PICK

The Pick: California Golden Bears +9

This game will be played at Mizzou Arena at 7:00 ET on Tuesday, December 3rd.

WHY BET THE CALIFORNIA GOLDEN BEARS:

• We have this one finishing with a projected score of 76-71 in favor of the Tigers.
• Even though we have Missouri winning straight-up, we like California at +9.
• The over/under is currently sitting at 150.5 points, and we like the under with a projected 147 points.

Will California Come Through as Road Underdogs?

California Golden Bears Recent Game/Games

The Golden Bears improved to 6-1 on the season with an 81-55 win over Mercyhurst on Wednesday. Playing at home, California entered the game as -22.5 favorites and covered the spread. The total points for the game were 136, just under the O/U line of 140.5.

California took control early, leading 41-23 at halftime. They added another 40 points in the 2nd half while allowing 32 points to the Lakers.

California’s offense was firing on all cylinders in their last game, putting up 81 points with a field goal percentage of 54.7%. Their effective field goal percentage was an impressive 64.2%, thanks in part to their 52.4% shooting from beyond the arc, hitting 11 of 21 attempts.

Jeremiah Wilkinson led the way, knocking down 6 of 8 threes and finishing with 25 points on 9 of 12 shooting overall. He also dished out 4 assists. Joshua Ola-Joseph contributed 13 points, hitting 5 of 7 shots, while Bernie Blunt III was nearly perfect, making 4 of 5 shots, including his only three-point attempt.

Despite giving up 55 points, California’s defense struggled, allowing the opponent to shoot 54% from the field. They gave up 29 made field goals on 53 attempts.

The Golden Bears allowed 11 threes, with the opponent shooting 52% from beyond the arc. They also sent the opponent to the line 18 times, where they made 12 free throws.

Will Missouri Win at Home?

Missouri improved to 6-1 on the season with an 81-61 win over Lindenwood on Wednesday. The Tigers were heavy favorites at -30.5 but didn’t cover the spread. The total points of 142 fell short of the 148.5 O/U line.

Leading 37-27 at halftime, Missouri scored 44 points in the 2nd half while allowing 34. Though they secured the win, the Tigers didn’t dominate to the extent expected.

Missouri’s offense put up 81 points in their last game, shooting 50% from the field. They were particularly effective inside, hitting 68.8% of their two-point attempts, while struggling from beyond the arc, making just 5 of 22 threes (22.7%).

Markeith Browning II led the way with 21 points, despite shooting 1 for 4 from deep. Tony Perkins added 18 points on 62.5% shooting, and Marques Warrick contributed 17 points, hitting 3 of 7 from three-point range.

Despite Missouri’s defensive struggles, allowing 61 points on 50% shooting, they managed to limit damage from beyond the arc, holding their opponent to just 5/22 from three-point range.

Missouri sent their opponent to the line 29 times, where they converted 22 free throws. The Tigers also gave up 15 offensive rebounds in the game.