| MATCHUP | California Golden Bears | Virginia Cavaliers |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 13-3 | 13-2 |
| Where | John Paul Jones Arena, Charlottesville, VA | |
| When | Wednesday, January 7, 2026 | |
| Time | 09:00 PM EST | |
| TV | ACC Network | |
The Cal Golden Bears and Virginia Cavaliers meet Wednesday in the college basketball action at the John Paul Jones Arena. Here’s a California vs Virginia Prediction. This article will include a California vs Virginia Pick.
Cal Golden Bears Betting Preview
The Cal Golden Bears lost to Louisville, beat Notre Dame, and they play Virginia Tech next. Cal has won 10 of its last 11 games.
The Cal Golden Bears are averaging 81.5 points on 46.1 percent shooting and allowing 68.5 points on 41.1 percent shooting. Dai Dai Ames is averaging 17.6 points and 1.9 rebounds, while Chris Bell is averaging 14.8 points and 0.8 assists. Justin Pippen is the third double-digit scorer and John Camden is grabbing 4.8 rebounds. The Cal Golden Bears are shooting 37.4 percent from beyond the arc and 78.3 percent from the free throw line. The Cal Golden Bears are allowing 31.9 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 31.7 rebounds per game.
Virginia Cavaliers Betting Preview
The Virginia Cavaliers lost to Virginia Tech, beat NC State, and they play Stanford next. Virginia has won 7 of its last 9 games.
The Virginia Cavaliers are averaging 86.2 points on 48.3 percent shooting and allowing 68.1 points on 38.6 percent shooting. Thijs De Ridder is averaging 16.4 points and 6.5 rebounds, while Malik Thomas is averaging 12.3 points and 1.7 assists. Jacari White is the third double-digit scorer and Chance Mallory is grabbing 4.6 rebounds. The Virginia Cavaliers are shooting 37.6 percent from beyond the arc and 68.3 percent from the free throw line. The Virginia Cavaliers are allowing 30.5 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 38.7 rebounds per game.
Why the Virginia Cavaliers will win
- Virginia has won 23 of its last 24 January home games as an AP-ranked team.
- California has lost 17 of its last 18 night games against AP-ranked opponents.
- Virginia has won the first half in each of its last eight games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
Why the California Golden Bears will win
- California has won seven of its last eight night games.
- Virginia has lost three of its last four games against Conference opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Virginia’s last 36 night games against the Atlantic Coast Conference at John Paul Jones Arena have produced a total of 146 or fewer points.
- Seven of California’s last eight games against the Atlantic Coast Conference have produced a total of 151+ points.
Matchup/League Facts
- Virginia ranks 13th among Division 1 teams for offensive rating this season (125.7).
- Virginia ranks 13th among Division 1 teams for defensive rating this season (99.4).
- California ranks 14th among Division 1 teams for free throw percentage this season (78.3%).
- California ranks 17th among Division 1 teams for turnover percentage this season (12.1%).
California vs Virginia Prediction
Virginia is the better, deeper team capable of a comfortable win at home where it’s undefeated. However, Virginia has allowed teams to hang around at times, and it’s led to failed covers in 5 of its last 9 games. Cal is an above average defensive team that shoots well from three and the free throw line, two areas that keep underdogs in games. Not an underdog often this season, but Cal does have that nice upset win over UCLA. Give me the points with Cal.