Air Force vs California Prediction College Basketball Picks 11/21/24

The Air Force Falcons are visiting the California Golden Bears on Thursday, November 21st at the Haas Pavilion. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s an Air Force Falcons vs California Golden Bears Prediction.

California Golden Bears Preview

The California Golden Bears have a 3-1 record this season and are coming off a 71-66 win in USC. The Bears are 2-1-1 against the spread, and 2-2 in over/under while having a 2-0 home record.

Offensively, California is averaging 79.3 points per game, which ranks 167th nationally. Defensively, they allow 74.3 points per game (239th). The Bears shoot 45.3% from the field (190th) and 35.7% from beyond the arc (118th). The Bears shoot 75.5% from the free-throw line (74th) and are grabbing 38.3 rebounds per game (150th).

Andrej Stojakovic leads California in scoring this season, with an average of 17 points and 5.8 rebounds, while Javan Blacksher adds 16.3 points and a team-high 3 assists. California will meet Sacramento State, Mercyhurst, Missouri, Stanford, and Cornell after this one.

Air Force Falcons Preview

The Air Force Falcons have a 1-3 record this season and are coming off a 71-79 loss to Belmont. The Falcons are 1-3 against the spread, and 2-2 in over/under.

Offensively, Air Force is averaging 63.8 points per game, which ranks just 337th in the nation. Defensively, they allow 70.5 points per game (182nd). The Falcons shoot 43% from the field (254th) and 31.4% from beyond the arc (241st). The Falcons shoot 68.7% from the free-throw line (255th) and are grabbing 29.8 rebounds per game (351st).

Ethan Taylor leads Air Force in scoring with an average of 19.5 points, adding team-highs both in rebounding with 8 and in assists made with 4.5. Air Force will play against Mercyhurst, Sacramento State, and Wright State following this game.

Why the California Golden Bears will win

• California has won each of its last nine games against the Mountain West Conference at Haas Pavilion.
• Air Force has lost each of its last seven games when playing with a rest advantage.
• Air Force has lost the first half in each of its last six night games.

Why the Air Force Falcons will win

• California has lost 13 of its last 15 games when playing with a rest disadvantage.
• The road team has won three of Air Force’s last four games.
• The road team has won the first half in each of Air Force’s last four games.

Total Points Facts

• Each of California’s last eight night games at Haas Pavilion has produced a total of 144+ points.
• Each of Air Force’s last six road night games against non-conference opponents has produced a total of 132 or fewer points.

Matchup/League Facts

• California ranks T36th among Division 1 teams for free throws made per game this season (19.3).
• Air Force ranks 362nd among Division 1 teams for field goal attempts per game this season (48.3).
• Air Force ranks 362nd among Division 1 teams for pace this season (61.6).

Air Force Falcons vs California Golden Bears Prediction

In this Air Force Falcons vs California Golden Bears Prediction, California is coming as -17.5 home favorites, and rightfully so. Air Force has been struggling so far this season, being in the bottom 50 of the nation in points scored, and bottom 100 in shooting percentages. The Falcons are also in the bottom 20 squads of the nation in rebounding. California has been perfect at home this season and will have no trouble against an inferior Air Force squad. The value here lies with the hosts, so take the California Golden Bears and lay the points at home.

Nikos Lagouretos's Pick: California Golden Bears -17.5