CSU Bakersfield vs UC San Diego Prediction 2/26/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners and the UC San Diego Tritons meet Thursday in college basketball action from the RIMAC. Here’s a Cal State Bakersfield vs UC San Diego prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best CSU Bakersfield vs UC San Diego pick. We will examine the recent form and player performances for both teams, as well as the recent betting trends and streaks pertaining to this matchup. As we conclude, we will tie it all together with a summary that produces a sensible pick for a favorable betting outcome in this game.

Cal State Bakersfield Betting Preview

The Roadrunners have had a rough time this year. Cal State Bakersfield was sitting at 8-9 overall back on January 8. Since then it’s been a string of losses to Long Beach State, UC Santa Barbara, UC San Diego, Hawaii, Cal Poly, UC Davis, UC Irvine, Cal State Fullerton, Hawaii, UC Riverside and Cal State Fullerton again for an 8-20 overall record this year.

In the Cal State Fullerton matchup over the weekend, the Roadrunners came into the second half with a 42-41 advantage. Cal State Bakersfield fell behind on a 47-38 run the rest of the way however, resulting in an 88-80 loss at home as the game came to a close. Dailin Smith finished with 21 points and two steals in the defeat while Tom Mark added 17 points and seven boards.

UC San Diego Tritons Betting Preview

Over on the UC San Diego side, they were sitting at 15-5 after 20 games this year. The Tritons would then lose three straight versus UC Irvine, UC Santa Barbara and Cal State Northridge before a win over Long Beach State. After a loss to Hawaii the Tritons took wins over UC Davis, UC Riverside and UC Irvine. In 28 games that gives the Tritons a 19-9 record in the books.

Matched up against UC Irvine on Saturday the Tritons were ahead by seven points 36-29 going into the second half. UC San Diego was outscored 40-35 the rest of the way but managed to hang on for a tight win on the road 71-69 in the end. Leading the team in scoring was Hudson Mayes with 17 points, eight boards and four assists. Alex Chaikin added 15 points and two rebounds.

Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners @ UC San Diego Tritons Betting Trends: February 26, 2026

Why the UC San Diego Tritons will win

• Cal State Bakersfield has lost each of its last 11 games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• UC San Diego has won four of its last five games.
• The home team has won the first half in five of UC San Diego’s last six games.

Why the Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners will win

• UC San Diego has lost each of its last three games at LionTree Arena following a road win.

Cal State Bakersfield vs UC San Diego Prediction

I’ll lean toward UC San Diego. The Tritons were able to hang on for a nice road victory over the weekend versus a pretty good UC Irvine team. UCSD shot 44.1 percent from the field with 81.8 percent (9-of-11) from the line in that one and posted just eight turnovers along the way. UC San Diego has won three straight games, holding opponents below 70 points in all of those victories.

Back on January 17 when these teams last met up, UC San Diego powered out an 83-62 victory on the road. The Tritons shot 46 percent from the field in that one while holding the Roadrunners to just 32.1 percent on the other side. UCSD had a 36-20 advantage on points in the paint and just eight turnovers along the way. I like the Tritons’ chances in the home rematch.

Andrew Jett's Pick: UC San Diego Tritons -15.5