California Golden Bears vs North Carolina State Wolfpack NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 1/18/25
Betting on today’s Golden Bears and Wolfpack game? Catch the action at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, NC, as the Wolfpack hosts this showdown at 6:00 ET on ACCN. The over/under for this Atlantic Coast conference contest is set at 144.5 points, with North Carolina State being favored by -4.5 at home against California.
CALIFORNIA GOLDEN BEARS VS NORTH CAROLINA STATE WOLFPACK BETTING PICK
The Pick: North Carolina State Wolfpack -4.5
This game will be played at Lenovo Center at 6:00 ET on Saturday, January 18th.
WHY BET THE NORTH CAROLINA STATE WOLFPACK:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 80-67 in favor of the Wolfpack.
- Not only will North Carolina State pick up the win, but look for them to cover at -4.5.
- The over/under is currently sitting at 144.5 points, and we like the over with a projected 147 points.
Will the Golden Bears Win in Raleigh?
California Golden Bears Recent Game/Games
The Golden Bears dropped to 8-9 on the season after a 79-53 road loss to the Tar Heels on Wednesday. Entering the game as +15.5 point underdogs, California not only lost but also failed to cover the spread.
California trailed 39-29 at halftime and struggled in the second half, scoring just 24 points while allowing 40. The game’s total points of 132 fell well short of the 159.5 O/U line.
California struggled offensively in their last game, scoring just 53 points with a field goal percentage of 34.8% (24/69). Their effective field goal percentage was 37.7%, and they hit only 3 of 25 attempts from beyond the arc, shooting 12% from three-point range. The Golden Bears also had a tough time at the free-throw line, making just 2 of 5 attempts (40%).
Ian Jackson led the team with 20 points, shooting 53.3% from the field, while Mady Sissoko was efficient, hitting 8 of 9 shots for 16 points and grabbing 8 rebounds. Elliot Cadeau contributed 15 points, and Seth Trimble added 12, despite missing both of his three-point attempts.
California’s defense struggled in their last game, giving up 79 points on 47% shooting from the field. Their interior defense was particularly vulnerable, as they allowed 51% shooting on two-point attempts, with the opposing team hitting 26 of 51 shots.
From beyond the arc, California’s defense held their opponent to 35% shooting, with just 5 threes made on 14 attempts. However, they sent the other team to the free-throw line 13 times, where they converted 12 of those for 92%. California also gave up 11 offensive rebounds.
Can the Wolfpack Deliver Being Favored at Home?
NC State fell to 9-8 on the season after a 79-76 loss to Virginia Tech on Wednesday. The Wolfpack were slight favorites at -1 but didn’t cover the spread. The game’s total points of 155 exceeded the O/U line of 134.5.
NC State led 45-34 at halftime but struggled in the second half, scoring just 31 points while allowing 45.
In their last game, NC State’s offense put up 76 points, shooting 50% from the field and 42.1% from three-point range. Their effective field goal percentage was 57.4%, and they hit 82.4% of their free throws, going 14-for-17 from the line.
Toibu Lawal led the way with 22 points and 11 rebounds, hitting 7 of 10 shots, including 3-for-3 from beyond the arc. Jaden Schutt and Jayden Taylor each added 17 points, with Schutt connecting on 3 of 6 threes and Taylor hitting 3 of 10 from deep.
North Carolina State’s defense gave up 79 points in their last game, with the opposing team shooting 45% from the field, hitting 27 of 59 attempts. Inside the arc, they allowed 16 two-point baskets on 37 attempts, a 43% shooting rate.
From three-point range, the opposition shot 50%, making 11 of 22 attempts. They also sent the other team to the free-throw line 17 times, where they converted 14 for 82%. NC State gave up 15 offensive rebounds in the game.