The San Diego State Aztecs (7-2) will be at home in Viejas Arena at Aztec Bowl when they go head-to-head against the California Golden Bears (3-6). Action gets underway at 5 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 9, 2017, and it can be seen on CBS Sports Network.
California Golden Bears at San Diego State Aztecs ATS Preview
In the Golden Bears last matchup, they lost big to the Central Arkansas Bears, 96-69. California’s Don Coleman had a solid game, leading the team in scoring with 20 points on 4-for-14 shooting. Central Arkansas forced the Golden Bears into a turnover percentage of 24.5 (above their season average of 17.7). California, on the other hand, did an excellent job of getting to and converting from the free throw line (24-29; 82.8 percent).
The Aztecs will look to keep it rolling after blowing out the Bradley Braves in their last outing, 75-52. San Diego State received a boost from Jalen McDaniels, who was the games high scorer with 14 points on 6-for-8 shooting. San Diego State dominated every stat category in the game. They had a ridiculous free throw rate of 0.426 (above their season average of 0.268) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 45.5 (above their season average of 33.8). For those same stats, Bradley was 0.121 and 20.0, respectively.
Looking at effective field goal percentage, San Diego State should have a significant edge. Since last season, the Aztecs defense ranks 12th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.446), while the California offense ranks 257th in effective field goal percentage (0.484). Furthermore, the Golden Bears, who rank 52nd in offensive rebounding percentage (33.2 percent), will face a tough challenge against the Aztecs, who rank 11th in defensive rebounding percentage (72.5 percent).
The Aztecs won the lone game against the Golden Bears last season, 77-65. The Aztecs 6.0 turnover percentage was their largest strength over the Golden Bears, who had a mark of 18.9.
California Golden Bears at San Diego State Aztecs Odds Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – California, ATS Winner – California, O/U – Over
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Golden Bears rank fourth in blocks per game (5.0) while the Aztecs rank 159th in blocks allowed per game (3.5).
- California ranks 120th in steals allowed per game (5.0) while San Diego State ranks 256th (5.8).
- San Diego State ranks 95th in assists per game (11.7) while California ranks 293rd (11.8).
- The Aztecs rank fourth in rebounds per game (37.8) while the Golden Bears rank 161st (38.3).
- San Diego State ranks 166th in three pointers attempted per game (22.1) while California ranks 322nd (18.5).
