UC Riverside vs Cal State Northridge Prediction College Basketball Picks 12/5/24

In this article, we will formulate a UC Riverside vs Cal State Northridge prediction for this College Basketball game on Thursday, December 5th at Premier America Credit Union Arena in Northridge, California. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

UC Riverside Highlanders Betting Preview

The UC Riverside Highlanders are 4-4 this year after they lost to Idaho by a score of 80-68 in their last game. UC Riverside trailed 39-27 at halftime, but they did score 41 points in the second half in the loss. The Highlanders shot 43.9% from the field, 42.9% on three-pointers, and 75% on free throws in the game. Isaiah Moses led UC Riverside with 13 points and three assists in the loss. 

Prior to that game, the Highlanders defeated Alcorn State by a score of 69-52 and Colorado State by a score of 77-75. UC Riverside has scored 71.6 points per game and they have allowed 75 points per game, while also averaging 38 rebounds and 12.6 assists per game this season. Barrington Hargress is averaging 18.8 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game, while UC Riverside is shooting 40.9% from the field, 67.2% on free throws, and 33.6% on three-pointers this year. UC Riverside will face CSU Fullerton following this one.

Cal State Northridge Matadors Betting Preview

The Cal State Northridge Matadors are 6-2 this season after they defeated Montana State in overtime by a score of 72-69 in their last game. Cal State Northridge was able to overcome a one-point halftime deficit to force overtime, where they held Montana State to just five points in the win. The Matadors shot 44.3% from the field, 30.4% on three-pointers, and 61.1% on free throws in the game. Marcus Adams Jr. led Cal State Northridge with 21 points and seven rebounds in the game. 

Prior to that win, the Matadors lost to Montana by a score of 83-75 but did win the five games before that. Cal State Northridge has scored 81.9 points per game and they have allowed 69.4 points per game, while also averaging 41.3 rebounds and 16.1 assists per game this season. Marcus Adams Jr. is averaging 16.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game, while Cal State Northridge is shooting 48% from the field, 71.1% on free throws, and 33.5% on three-pointers this year. CSU Northridge will meet Cal Poly after this game.

Why Cal State Northridge will beat UC Riverside

• Cal State Northridge has won six of its last seven games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• UC Riverside has lost the first half in four of its last five games against Conference opponents.

UC Riverside vs Cal State Northridge Prediction 

Cal State Northridge has won six of their last seven games and they will look to start conference play with a win here. The Matadors are shooting 48% from the field and they have been the slightly better defensive team. UC Riverside has won two of their last three, including a win over Colorado State, but they are shooting just 40.9% from the field. The Highlanders have also struggled on defense, as they are allowing 75 points against per game. Cal State Northridge has been the better team to start the season and I like them to cover at home. 

David Racey's Pick: Cal State Northridge -5.5