Play In Game – Golden Bears vs USF Bulls CBB Handicapping Prediction
In a Midwest Region play in game between a couple of teams that were sitting on pins and needles on selection Sunday South Florida faces California.
Venue/ Stadium: University of Dayton Arena, Dayton, OH
Time/Date: 9:10 PM EST Wednesday, March 14, 2012
NCAA Odds From: Bovada
Moneyline: OFF
Spread (ATS): Cal -2
Over/Under: 143
South Florida Bulls vs. California Golden Bears Preview
While Cal did not win the weak Pac 12 conference they were the best team in the conference and even though South Florida was in 6th in the Big East they played a much tougher schedule.
In their last games of the season Cal lost to Colorado 70-59 in the semis of the Pac 12 tourney and South Florida lost to Notre Dame 57-53 in the quarterfinals in the Big East tourney.
This season Cal is 17-14 ATS with an O/U record of 12-19 and South Florida is 16-14 ATS with an O/U record of 8-22.
Cal only faced 1 ranked team this season and they lost that game while USF was 1-6 facing ranked teams.
This game is all about offense against defense, as Cal can score and USF has the nation’s 7th ranked defense in terms of opponents’ points per game. It is key that the Bulls win this game with their defense, as they cannot rely on their offense, which only ranks 328th in the nation in scoring. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
You know the Bulls rely on their D since they do not have 1 player that is averaging in double figures. Still, they will need to get some scoring from Augustus Gilchrist (9.6 ppg) and Victor Rudd Jr. (8.7 ppg 4.6 rpg). Rudd Jr. is the guy that Cal may have to worry about, as he has averaged 14.5 ppg in his last 2 games.
Cal is led by their G duo of Allen Crabbe (15.3 ppg 5.7 rpg) and Jorge Gutierrez (13.1 ppg). Still, Cal has 4 players averaging in double figures and USF will have to play good all-around D.
USF must slow down the pace in this game, but if Cal can get out and run they should easily win this game.
In some betting trends for this Midwest Region play-in game South Florida is 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games as an underdog, 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games overall, and they have an Under record of 7-1 in their last 8 non-conference games.
Cal is 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games overall, 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games as a favorite, and they have an Under record of 9-2 in their last 11 non-conference games.
Jason’s Pick: Yeah, USF has a great defense and played a much tougher schedule this season, but I think Cal is a better team and they will win this game and cover the spread.
