St. Joseph’s vs California Prediction 3/22/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

In this article, we will formulate a Saint Joseph’s vs California Prediction for this NIT Tournament 2nd Round matchup on Sunday, March 22nd. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this college basketball matchup.

California Golden Bears Preview

The California Golden Bears have a 22-11 overall record and a 9-9 record in the ACC. They are coming off a 91-73 win against UIC and their previous three games were a 95-89 loss against Florida State, an 80-73 loss against Wake Forest and a 76-65 road win against Georgia Tech.

Offensively, California averages 78.3 points per game, while allowing 73.2 points per game defensively. The Golden Bears shoot with 45% from the field and grab 34.5 rebounds per game, while dishing out 13.9 assists per game. They average 3 blocks per game and 6 steals per game defensively.

Dai Dai Ames leads California in scoring, with an average of 17 points per game, while shooting with 46.7% from the field and 86.2% from the free throw line. Lee Dort is the team’s leading rebounder with 7.8 per game. Justin Pippen leads the team in assists with 4.5 per game.

Saint Joseph’s Hawks Preview

The Saint Joseph’s Hawks have a 23-11 overall record and a 13-5 record in the A-10. They are coming off a 69-64 road win against Colorado State and their previous three games were a 77-64 loss against VCU, a 70-58 win against Davidson and an 88-76 win against La Salle.

Offensively, Saint Joseph’s averages 73.2 points per game, while allowing 69.7 points per game defensively. The Hawks shoot with 43% from the field and grab 38.9 rebounds per game, while dishing out 15.5 assists per game. They average 4.8 blocks per game and 5.6 steals per game defensively.

Jaiden Glover-Toscano leads Saint Joseph’s in scoring, with an average of 15.8 points per game, while shooting with 42.8% from the field and 72.9% from the free throw line. Dasear Haskins is the team’s leading rebounder with 6.3 per game. Derek Simpson leads the team in assists with 5.2 per game.

Saint Joseph’s Hawks @ California Golden Bears Betting Trends: March 22, 2026

Why the California Golden Bears will win

• California has won each of its last 12 games against non-Conference opponents at Haas Pavilion.
• Saint Joseph’s has lost each of its last four night games against the Atlantic Coast Conference.
• California has won the first half in each of its last eight night games against non-Conference opponents at Haas Pavilion.

Why the Saint Joseph’s Hawks will win

• Saint Joseph’s has won nine of its last 10 night games.
• California has lost three of its last four games against the Atlantic 10 Conference.
• Saint Joseph’s has won the first half in 10 of its last 11 night games.

Total Points Facts

• Each of Saint Joseph’s’ last nine night games have produced a total of 149 or fewer points.
• Four of California’s last five home games have produced a total of 142 or fewer points.

Matchup/League Facts

• California ranks 1st among Division 1 teams for opponent free throw percentage this season (66.0%).
• California ranks 13th among Division 1 teams for free throw percentage this season (78.3%).
• Saint Joseph’s ranks 12th among Division 1 teams for opponent free throw percentage this season (68.4%).
• Saint Joseph’s ranks 19th among Division 1 teams for blocks per game this season (4.9).

Saint Joseph’s vs California Prediction

In this Saint Joseph’s vs California Prediction, California is coming as -6 home favorites. Both teams have almost identical overall records but Saint Joseph’s has been slightly better against the spread and a strong 9-5 ATS on the road. They are coming into this matchup in excellent form, as they are 8-1 both straight up and against the spread in their last 9 games, while California has lost three of its last five games and have a weaker defense, allowing 3.5 points per game more than Saint Joseph’s. I expect a close game, so give me Saint Joseph’s and get the +6 points in this one.

Nikos Lagouretos's Pick: Saint Joseph's +6