Cleveland State vs Oakland Prediction 1/9/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

In this article we will formulate a Cleveland State vs Oakland prediction for this College Basketball game on Friday, January 9th at the OU Credit Union O’rena in Rochester, Michigan. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

Cleveland State Vikings Betting Preview

The Cleveland State Vikings are 5-11 (1-4) this season after they lost to PFW by a score of 74-71 in their last game. Cleveland State led 43-32 at halftime, but they were outscored 42-28 in the second half in the loss. The Vikings shot 38% from the field, 38% on three pointers, and 82% on free throws in the game. Chevalier Emery led Cleveland State with 15 points and two assists, while Jaidon Lipscomb added 12 points and seven rebounds in the loss. 

Prior to that game, Cleveland State defeated IUPUI by a score of 99-86, but lost to Milwaukee by a score of 81-71 before that. The Vikings have scored 79.4 points per game with 35.8 rebounds and 15.3 assists per game, while they have allowed 83.6 points against per game this season. Tre Beard is averaging 13.8 points and 3.5 assists per game, while Dayan Nessah is averaging 13.7 points and 6.0 rebounds per game for the Vikings. Cleveland State is shooting 44.6% from the field, 73.9% on free throws, and 37.5% on three pointers this season. 

Oakland Golden Grizzlies Betting Preview

The Oakland Golden Grizzlies are 8-8 (4-1) this year after they defeated Robert Morris by a score of 96-73 in their last game. Oakland led 51-40 at halftime and they added 45 points in the second half in the win. The Golden Grizzlies shot 54% from the field, 19% on three pointers, and 89% on free throws in the game. Isaac Garrett led Oakland with 30 points and six rebounds, while Tuburu Naivalurua added 21 points and six rebounds in the win. 

Prior to that game, Oakland defeated Youngstown State by a score of 85-83, but lost to Wright State by a score of 88-73 before that. The Golden Grizzlies have scored 83.3 points per game with 34.0 rebounds and 15.6 assists per game, while they have allowed 83.5 points against per game this season. Brody Robinson is averaging 15.9 points and 6.1 assists per game, while Isaac Garrett is averaging 15.7 points and 7.1 rebounds per game for the Golden Grizzlies. Oakland is shooting 47.8% from the field, 75.1% on free throws, and 35.0% on three pointers this year. 

Why the Oakland Golden Grizzlies will win

• Cleveland State has lost each of its last nine road games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• Oakland has won 14 of its last 15 night games against the Horizon League at OU Credit Union O’rena.
• Oakland has won the first half in five of its last six night games against the Horizon League.

Why the Cleveland State Vikings will win

• Cleveland State has won each of its last nine Friday night games against Conference opponents.

Total Points Facts

• Fifty of Oakland’s last 52 night games at OU Credit Union O’rena have produced a total of 172 or fewer points.
• Thirty-seven of Cleveland State’s last 40 games against the Horizon League Conference have produced a total of 167 or fewer points.

Cleveland State vs Oakland Prediction 

Oakland comes into this matchup with a 4-1 conference record and they are a big favorite to win here. The Golden Grizzlies have won two in a row and they have scored at least 82 points in three of their last five. Cleveland State has dropped three of their last four games and they have allowed 74, 86, 81, and 101 during that span. I do think Oakland will get the win in this contest, but their defense has struggled this year as well, so give me the points with Cleveland State.

David Racey's Pick: Cleveland State +14.5