The SMU Mustangs (20-7) travel to face off against the California Golden Bears (12-15) on Wednesday, February 26th. This game will be played at Haas Pavilion in Berkeley and televised on ESPNU. Both SMU and California will be looking to bounce back from losses in their previous games. Tip-off is scheduled for 11:00 ET.

SMU Mustangs vs California Golden Bears

The Mustangs Look To Bounce Back From A Loss

SMU Mustangs Recent Game/Games

SMU fell to 20-7 on the season after a 79-69 home loss to Clemson on Saturday. The Mustangs entered the game as +1 underdogs and failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game reached 148, surpassing the over/under line of 146.5.

Trailing 36-32 at halftime, SMU couldn’t turn things around in the second half, scoring 37 points while allowing 43.

The Golden Bears Look To Bounce Back From A Loss

California Golden Bears Recent Game/Games

The Golden Bears fell to 12-15 on the season after a 66-61 loss to Stanford on Saturday. California, who entered the game as +6.5 point underdogs, kept it closer than expected. The total points for the game were 127, well under the 147.5 O/U line.

California trailed 28-22 at halftime but managed to score 39 points in the 2nd half while allowing 38. Despite the loss, the Bears’ ability to cover the spread on the road is a positive takeaway.

Mustangs Offense Breakdown

SMU’s offense put up 69 points in their last game, shooting 43.9% from the field and 32% from beyond the arc. Their effective field goal percentage was 50.9%, with a strong 53.1% shooting inside the arc. At the free-throw line, they connected on 78.6% of their attempts, going 11-for-14.

Jaeden Zackery led the way with 19 points, hitting 5-of-8 from three-point range and adding 7 assists. Chase Hunter contributed 17 points, and Viktor Lakhin and Chuck Harris each added 16, with Lakhin shooting 60% from the field. SMU also grabbed 18 offensive rebounds and dished out 16 assists as a team.

Golden Bears Offense Breakdown

The Golden Bears struggled offensively in their last game, shooting just 34.5% from the field and 28.6% from three-point range, finishing with 61 points. Their effective field goal percentage was 38.2%, and they managed only 4 assists as a team.

Maxime Raynaud led the way with 20 points, despite shooting 31.2% overall. Jeremiah Wilkinson added 19 points, while Andrej Stojakovic contributed 16 points and 10 rebounds.

Mustangs Team Defense

SMU’s defense gave up 79 points, with their opponents shooting 43% from the field. They allowed 17 two-point baskets on 32 attempts, a 53% success rate.

From beyond the arc, SMU’s opponents hit 8 threes on 25 attempts, shooting 32%. They also sent them to the line 14 times, where they made 11 free throws, a 78% rate. SMU allowed 18 offensive rebounds.

Golden Bears Team Defense

SMU’s defense gave up 79 points in their last game, with opponents shooting 43% from the field. They allowed 53% shooting on two-point attempts, with the other team hitting 17 of 32 shots.

From beyond the arc, SMU’s opponents shot 32%, making 8 of 25 three-point attempts. The Mustangs also sent them to the line 14 times, where they converted 11 free throws for 78%. SMU allowed 18 offensive rebounds.

Mustangs vs Golden Bears Trends

• When looking at their past three road matchups, SMU has an ATS record of 3-0 while averaging 80 per game. The team went 3-0 overall in these games.
• Through their last ten home contests, the Golden Bears offense has averaged 69 points per game while allowing an average of 78. California posted an overall record of 2-8 while going 9-1 ATS.
• In their last three games as the betting underdog, the Golden Bears have a straight up record of 0-3 and an ATS mark of 3-0.
• As the betting favorite, the Mustangs have an ATS record of 2-1 in their last three games. In these matchups, their straight up record was 2-1.

Mustangs vs Golden Bears Prediction

As the underdogs with a spread of +2.5, we recommend going with the Golden Bears on the point spread. We not only see them covering the spread but also have a strong likelihood of winning this one outright, especially if you’re seeking a higher payout on the moneyline.

As for the over/under, the the line is currently at 153.5, and our model projects the Mustangs and Golden Bears to reach a combined total of 145 points. Our bet is on taking the under.

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All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!

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* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.