California vs North Carolina Prediction 1/15/25 College Basketball Picks

In this article, we will formulate a Cal vs North Carolina Prediction for this college basketball game on Wednesday, January 15th, at the Dean Smith Center. To formulate this prediction, we will examine:

-The Golden Bears’ recent form and recent player performance 

-The Tar Heels’ recent form and recent player performance

-Recent Betting trends and streaks involving California

-Recent Betting trends and streaks involving North Carolina

-Recent betting trends in games played between California and North Carolina

-A summary that ties it all together and produces a favorable betting outcome for Today’s Game between the Golden Bears and Tar Heels. 

North Carolina Pulled it Out Late

North Carolina went through some struggles, but they have won three straight games. Two games ago, against SMU they were able to secure an 82-67 victory and in the last game against NC State on the road, they were able to secure a 63-61 victory. Guard Ian Jackson had a strong game putting 21 points, two rebounds, and one assist. There were three different players that put up at least 11 points. North Carolina shot 43.3 percent from the field and 36.8 percent from behind the three-point line. NC State shot 36.9 percent from the field and 15.8 percent from behind the three-point line. 

UNC is averaging 83.2 points while their defense is giving up 77.4 points per game. The offense is ranked 32nd while the defense is ranked 317th. They do a good job of getting to the free throw line and are averaging 17.24 free throws per game, which is 38th in all of college basketball. RJ Davis has been the top player for the team averaging 17.8 points while shooting 38.6 percent from the field and 28.1 percent from behind the three-point line. 

Why North Carolina Will Beat California 

• North Carolina has won 18 of its last 19 games at Dean E. Smith Center against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• California has lost nine of its last 10 games against Conference opponents.
• California has lost the first half in three of its last four night games.

California Has Issues

California has had some major issues all season and in the last game, they really struggled. California faced off against Virginia Tech and at halftime, they were down 42-23. In the second half they fought back, but they still ended up falling short losing 71-68. Cal allowed Virginia Tech to shoot 57.1 percent from the field while they only managed 32.4 percent from the field. Andrej Stojakovic had a strong game putting up 24 points, two rebounds, and one assist. 

California on the season is averaging 77 points while their defense is giving up 75.5 points per game. The offense is ranked 136th in the league while the defense is ranked 283rd. Andrej Stojakovic is having a huge season averaging 20.3 points while shooting 46.2 percent from the field and 35.1 percent from behind the three point line. 

Total Point Facts

• Eleven of North Carolina’s last 12 night games against the Atlantic Coast Conference at Dean E. Smith Center have produced a total of 156 or fewer points.
• Nine of California’s last 11 games against Conference opponents have produced a total of 148 or fewer points.

Cal vs North Carolina Prediction

North Carolina is going to have no issue getting the job done in this game. North Carolina’s defense at times has been an issue but they aren’t going to struggle in this game. California’s defense is giving up 75.5 points per game and they are going to have some major issues in this game. This game is going to get out of hand early, and North Carolina will end up cruising here. Back North Carolina against the spread.

Shane Mickle's Pick: North Carolina -14.5