Recent Play Details

4% California (1:00 AM ET): This game is technically being played Tuesday morning out in So Cal as part of a MTE. The SoCal Invitational is divided into the Sand & Surf Divisions, with this one being part of the latter, a semifinal matchup where the winner takes on the winner of Tulane-Bradley on Wednesday. Cal is 2-2 SU, which means they are just one win away from matching LY’s total in what was a truly disastrous campaign in Berkeley that ended with 16 consecutive losses and a 3-29 overall SU record. UTEP remains undefeated this year at 4-0 SU but played two non-DI schools (McMurry and the University of Science & Arts - OK) followed by home wins over UC Santa Barbara and Austin Peay during the last week. 

The late start time is a slight edge to Cal, who is obviously from the Pacific Time Zone. But, to me, UTEP is due for some shooting regression as they face a team from a “power conference” for the 1st time. The Miners have shot a stunning 58.9% from the floor in their four games, all in El Paso, but again remember who they faced in those first two games. Most of the damage has come from inside the arc where the team is shooting nearly over 63% the L2 games and that simply will not continue, especially when leaving campus. 

Look for Cal to be vastly improved this season under 1st year HC Mark Madsen (formerly the “Mad Dog” in the NBA). Madsen previously served as HC at Utah Valley, a program he took to the NIT last season with a 28-9 SU overall record including 15-3 in the WAC. Not saying we’ll see that kind of turnaround here, but the Bears should be able to win some games like this. They have already lost as an 11-point home favorite to Pacific and as a 13-point favorite last time out to Montana State. But those results have given us some nice value for this matchup as, unlike UTEP, I think Cal is in store for some better shooting nights. Take the points. 4% California (Play to +2)