Check out our free California vs Colorado pick and preview for this NCAA Basketball game in Boulder. See who we like to win and cover the spread in this College Basketball matchup.

California vs Colorado Pick & Preview: Thursday, February 2nd Betting Odds

Golden Bears vs Buffaloes Matchup at a Glance

  • Sport: NCAAB
  • Teams: California Golden Bears at Colorado Buffaloes
  • Where: Boulder at CU Events Center
  • Date: Thursday, February 2nd
  • Betting Odds: California +15.5, CAH +987 | COL -1974 O/U 130.0

Golden Bears Preview:

California will take the floor against the Buffaloes with an overall record of 3-18. On the road, the Golden Bears will be playing their 7th game of the season, having gone 0-7. So far, the Golden Bears have been the underdog 14 times, going 2-12 straight up. Heading into today’s contest, they are the +15.5 underdogs on the spread.

Lars Thiemann comes into today’s game as the Golden Bears’ leading scorer at 10.48 points per contest. Not only has Thiemann been key to the team’s scoring efforts, but he is California’s top rebounder at 6.05 boards per contest. Before getting a bet down on this game, we recommend keeping close watch on the availability of Devin Askew, as he is currently listed as questionable. If he can’t play, the Golden Bears’ will be without their 2nd leading scorer at Devin Askew points per game.

Offensive production has been hard to come by for California this season, as they are currently ranked 418th in college basketball at 63.1 points per game. A major reason for low scoring totals is the fact that they have played at a below average pace, and have struggled to knock down outside shots. As a team, the Golden Bears’ 3-point shooting percentage sits at just 30.8%, placing them 424th in the NCAA.

Buffaloes Preview:

Colorado heads into this matchup having played 23 games and have an overall record sitting at 12-11. So far this season, Colorado has played 11 games at home, sitting with a record of 9-2. At the time of this article, the oddsmakers have the Buffaloes as the -15.5 point favorites. The Buffaloes have been favored 17 times, going 9-8 straight up.

Colorado will be counting on another strong performance from the team’s leading scorer Tristan Da Silva who is averaging 16.0 points per game for the Buffaloes. Silva is also important to the team’s ability to score on the perimeter. So far, he leads the team in 3-point shots made. Also key to the Buffaloes’ offensive game plan is the play of KJ Simpson who has hit 40.8% of his field goal attempts on his way to averaging 16.32 points per game.

Coming into today’s game, Colorado will be looking from some improved play from their offense. Currently, the Buffaloes are ranked 193rd at 71.2 points per game. A major reason for their low scoring mumbers is the fact that they tend to work the clock on offense. This year, they are the 393rd ranked team in terms of pace. When looking at their 3-point shooting numbers, Colorado is close to the NCAA average at 36.8%.

Free Spread Prediction: California Golden Bears +15.5

Based on our analysis of this matchup, we believe that Colorado’s fast-paced style of play will give them an advantage against a California team that prefers to slow the game down. Despite the large point spread (-15.5), expect Buffaloes’ to benefit from an increased number of possessions as they work towards an easy victory. We recommend betting on Colorado to not only win but also cover the spread against California.