SMU vs Cal Prediction, Picks & Odds | 25 Feb 2026

College Basketball Betting Preview: SMU vs Cal

The SMU Mustangs square off against the California Golden Bears, with tip-off scheduled for 22:00 on Wednesday, February 25.

Under 161.5 points looks like an attractive total wager. SMU and Cal might not be able to reach this combined amount and we can profit with this pick at -105.

SMU Mustangs won their previous game which was at home. It was a 94-70 triumph against Boston College Eagles.

California Golden Bears won their last game, beating Stanford Cardinal at home. It was a 72-66 win.

Head-to-Head Statistics

The last matchup between SMU and Cal saw the former win. It was a 81-77 scoreline.

NCAAB	Overall	PF	PA	N. Pts	Home	Away	Strk
California	19-8	2125	1963	162	16-3	3-5	2W
SMU	19-8	2344	2094	250	16-2	3-6	2W

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SMU vs Cal Prediction & Picks

Take on SMU vs Cal with our in-depth betting analysis, featuring an expert match prediction, scoreline advice and a value-driven bet builder. Scroll down for the full breakdown.

Game Prediction

The -105 for Under 161.5 points to be scored by the two teams looks like really good value in this college contest. Our prediction is that the teams might not collectively reach this total.

Recent form is always part of the equation and we combine it with team news as soon as it’s available. To deliver expert basketball predictions, our handicappers also analyze the latest college hoops stats to ensure we’re working with the best information possible.

Key SMU vs Cal stats:

• The 161.5 line hasn’t been covered in 13 of the last 19 SMU games on the road.
• The 161.5 line hasn’t been covered in 6 of the last 10 SMU games on the road.
• The 161.5 line hasn’t been covered in the last 2 SMU games on the road.
• The 161.5 line hasn’t been covered in 17 of the last 20 Cal games at home.
• The 161.5 line hasn’t been covered in 8 of the last 10 Cal games at home.
• The 161.5 line hasn’t been covered in the last 2 Cal games.

Under 161.5 Probability

Based on the odds from the top betting sites, there’s a 51.3% likelihood of our pick delivering a return. In our opinion, there’s actually a probability of success closer to 60%. The bet can be recommended for this precise reason.

The top sportsbooks will allow you to shoot for bigger odds on your Under wager. By moving the line and going for a lower Total, there’s the chance to get more juice.

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Our Game Prediction

Under 161.5 Points @ -105 Bet Now

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Disclosure: This preview contains affiliate links; we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. T&Cs apply. We only recommend licensed and regulated operators. See our Editorial Policy. Pick odds and lines reflect the price available at the time of publication (Feb 25, 02:03). Live market odds are updated regularly and may differ. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.

Correct Score Prediction

SMU 83 - 75 Cal

There are lots of different betting angles including the chance to back the Mustangs on the correct score lines. For example, a 83-75 victory in their favor is available at massive odds.

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SMU vs Cal Odds

The odds and lines below are updated regularly and may differ from the prices shown in our picks, which are captured at the time of publication.

SMU have the shortest price to win this college game, with the sportsbooks giving them a 66% probability due to their -192 Moneyline betting odds. At +158, California are regarded as having a lower probability of winning.

3.5 is where the spread lies, with total points being 161.5 right now. Having a wager on the Totals is one of the most popular basketball bets. If you’re going for Under 161.5, this outcome can be backed at -105.

Consider every angle when placing your college hoops bets. The top basketball betting sites offer a huge selection of game lines and team props, and it’s all about finding a wager that fits your prediction of the game.

Moneyline

SMU

-192

Cal

+158

Point Spread

SMU -3.5

-110

Cal +3.5

-110

Total Points

Under 161.5

-105

Over 161.5

-115

Should you be more interested in a specific individual who is competing, check out the gambling sites’ prop bets where you can pick out player lines that focus on performance rather than the game result.

Among the various options for wagering on college basketball, you will find that micro betting is provided. It focuses on short-term in-game outcomes such as Next Field Goal, where you select if the shot will be a two or three-pointer.

Latest regular season and playoff games stats.

SMU Stats

Cal Stats

Moneyline

• 6 wins and 4 defeats in the last 10 games
• 3 wins and 7 defeats in the last 10 games on the road

Moneyline

• 6 wins and 4 defeats in the last 10 games
• 7 wins and 3 defeats in the last 10 home games

Point Spread

• -3.5 Betting Line: Have covered the spread in 5 of the last 10 games
• -3.5 Betting Line on the Road: Have covered the spread in 3 of the last 10 games on the road

Point Spread

• +3.5 Betting Line: Have covered the spread in 7 of the last 10 games
• +3.5 Betting Line at Home: Have covered the spread in 7 of the last 10 home games

Total Points

• Game Totals: An average of 162.60 pts in the previous 10 games
• Game Totals on the Road: An average of 154.50 pts in the previous 10 games on the road
• Over 161.5: Covered in 7 of the previous 10 games
• Over 161.5 on the Road: Covered in 4 of the previous 10 games on the road
• Team Totals: Have scored an average of 84.10 pts and allowed 78.50 pts in the last 10 games
• Team Totals on the Road: Have scored an average of 76.10 pts and allowed 78.40 pts in the last 10 games on the road

Total Points

• Game Totals: An average of 154.10 pts in the previous 10 games
• Game Totals at Home: An average of 146.30 pts in the previous 10 home games
• Over 161.5: Covered in 4 of the previous 10 games
• Over 161.5 at Home: Covered in 2 of the previous 10 home games
• Team Totals: Have scored an average of 76.80 pts and allowed 77.30 pts in the last 10 games
• Team Totals at Home: Have scored an average of 74.90 pts and allowed 71.40 pts in the last 10 home games

NCAAB Table Select Season 2025/20262024/20252023/20242022/20232021/20222020/20212019/2020

Atlantic Coast	Overall	PF	PA	N. Pts	Home	Away	Strk
Duke	26-2	2325	1761	564	16-0	10-2	5W
Virginia	25-3	2305	1897	408	15-1	10-2	9W
Miami	22-6	2322	1977	345	14-3	8-3	1W
North Carolina	22-6	2257	1981	276	17-0	5-6	2W
Clemson	20-8	2087	1837	250	13-3	7-5	4L
Louisville	20-8	2418	2015	403	14-2	6-6	1L
SMU	19-8	2344	2094	250	16-2	3-6	2W
California	19-8	2125	1963	162	16-3	3-5	2W
NC State	19-9	2352	2082	270	12-5	7-4	1L
Virginia Tech	18-10	2206	2073	133	14-3	4-7	1W
Stanford	16-11	2027	1958	69	10-6	6-5	2L
Syracuse	15-13	2117	2054	63	12-5	3-8	2L
Wake Forest	14-13	2140	2084	56	10-6	4-7	1L
Florida State	14-14	2232	2180	52	10-8	4-6	1L
Notre Dame	12-16	2065	2082	-17	10-6	2-10	2L
Georgia Tech	11-17	2075	2165	-90	10-8	1-9	9L
Pittsburgh	10-17	1891	1934	-43	8-9	2-8	1W
Boston College	9-18	1828	1907	-79	8-10	1-8	8L

• Overall = Overall Wins-Losses
• PF = Total Points For
• PA = Total Points Against
• N. Pts = Point Differential
• Home = Home Record
• Away = Away Record
• Strk = Current Streak

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