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Wright State vs California Betting Preview
The California Golden Bears return to Haas Pavilion on Thursday, November 6, 2025, to face the Wright State Raiders. Cal opened the season with improved ball movement and size efficiency in an 87-60 win, while Wright State dominated a weaker opponent with rebounding and unselfish play. This matchup will test how well each team’s early identity translates against higher competition.
Line Movement and Odds
California opened as a heavy favorite at around -15.5, with the total set near 152.5. Most early betting interest favors Cal at home, while totals action leans slightly under based on both teams’ half-court tendencies. Official spreads and totals can be tracked at the college basketball odds page.
Matchup Breakdown
California Outlook
Cal showed clear growth from last season, finishing with 20 assists after averaging 10.5 a game last year. Justin Pippen ran the offense with 15 points and seven assists, while Lee Dort added 15 points, nine rebounds and four assists. Their improved spacing and inside scoring give them control in half-court sets. If Cal limits turnovers and defends without fouling, their size advantage should hold.
Wright State Outlook
The Raiders opened with 27 assists and 18 offensive rebounds, with ten players recording at least one on the offensive glass. That tells you the plan: crash, spray, and create second-chance threes. The jump in class is real here, so they need to convert put-backs, keep fouls in check, and avoid empty trips. If they manufacture extra possessions and limit live-ball turnovers, they can hang inside the number.
Key Matchup
Rebounding and tempo decide this game. Wright State relies on offensive glass pressure to create possessions, while Cal’s half-court structure slows the pace and keeps opponents chasing. If Cal forces longer possessions and closes the glass defensively, their offensive efficiency becomes difficult to match.
Injury Report
California has no major injuries reported.
Wright State also reports no significant absences ahead of Thursday.
Environment
Haas Pavilion gives Cal a real edge. Wright State travels across time zones for its first road game, adjusting to a late tip and quieter shooting background. The arena’s sightlines and slower pace can disrupt visiting shooters early. Cal’s rotation depth and interior size typically translate well at home, where they can dictate tempo and physicality.
Best Bets and Prediction
Projected Final Score: California 84, Wright State 70
- California -15.5
- Under 152.5
Cal’s frontcourt depth and passing improvements give them control over 40 minutes. Wright State’s rebounding keeps it respectable early, but Cal’s half-court execution and home environment should create separation in the second half. With both teams capable of slowing possessions, the under remains viable.
Handicappers and Service Plays
Bettors looking for expert opinions on this matchup can track verified college basketball picks from top performers on the best handicappers leaderboard. Full-season subscriptions and individual game selections are available through the buy picks page. It’s also a good spot to compare trends and see which experts are backing California to cover at home or see value in Wright State plus the points.


