Cal Poly Mustangs vs Bakersfield Roadrunners Picks and Predictions January 29th 2026

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Cal Poly Mustangs vs Bakersfield Roadrunners Betting Preview

The Cal Poly Mustangs visit the Bakersfield Roadrunners in a Big West matchup at the Icardo Center. Cal Poly enters with a 7-14 record and looks to bounce back from a loss to Cal State Fullerton, while Bakersfield aims to defend its home court after a tough defeat against Hawaii. With the Roadrunners favored by 1.5 points, this contest highlights a battle between Cal Poly’s perimeter shooting and Bakersfield’s free-throw efficiency.

Line Movement and Odds

Bakersfield enters as a slight favorite, but Cal Poly’s three-point shooting makes this line worth monitoring. Current market:

  • Bakersfield Spread: -1.5 (-109)
  • Cal Poly Spread: +1.5 (-115)
  • Bakersfield MoneyLine: -123
  • Cal Poly MoneyLine: -103
  • Total: 162.5 (-110)

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Matchup Breakdown

Cal Poly Outlook

The Mustangs average 74.8 points per game, with Cayden Ward, Hamad Mousa, and Gavin O’Brien leading the offense. Ward’s 20 points vs Cal State Fullerton highlighted his scoring, while Mousa’s 15 points, nine rebounds, and five assists showcased his versatility. Cal Poly’s efficiency (7-14 overall record; 10.8 made threes per game, 33rd nationally; 75.4% FT shooting) underscores their strengths. Their ability to stretch defenses from deep makes them dangerous in close games.

Bakersfield Outlook

The Roadrunners average 76.2 points per game, with Dailin Smith, Ronald Jessamy, and Elijah Holt driving production. Smith’s 28 points vs Hawaii highlighted his scoring, while Jessamy’s rebounding adds balance. Bakersfield’s efficiency (8-13 overall record; 6-5 at home; 19.2 made free throws per game, 22nd nationally) underscores their strengths. Their ability to draw fouls and convert at the line makes them tough to beat at Icardo Center.

Key Factors

This matchup may hinge on three-point shooting and free-throw efficiency. Cal Poly thrives on Ward’s perimeter scoring and Mousa’s versatility, while Bakersfield must rely on Smith’s hot hand and Jessamy’s rebounding to tilt the game. Execution in the final minutes will likely decide the margin.

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Injuries / Availability

Cal Poly: The Mustangs report no fresh injury concerns heading into Thursday’s contest.

Bakersfield: The Roadrunners are expected to have their full rotation available.

Environment

Icardo Center has been a steady venue for Bakersfield, where they’ve gone 6-5 this season. Cal Poly, however, has shown flashes of offensive firepower, making this a clash of home steadiness versus visiting urgency.

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Best Bets and Prediction

Projected Final Score: Cal Poly 80, Bakersfield 78

  • Cal Poly +1.5 → Best Bet. Their three-point shooting and free-throw accuracy suggest they can cover the spread.
  • Under 162.5 → Total play. Both teams’ shooting inefficiency points toward a combined score below the line.

Cal Poly’s perimeter shooting should carry them to victory, while Bakersfield’s home-court energy keeps the spread in play. Expect a competitive contest with totals landing just under the posted number.

Handicappers and Service Plays

Big West games often create unique betting opportunities. Our Best Handicappers spotlight experts who consistently read market trends, while the Leaderboard highlights who’s riding hot streaks. Premium insights in Buy Picks provide deeper reasoning behind each wager. For contests like Cal Poly vs Bakersfield, expert perspectives can help identify sharp angles in spreads and totals.

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