Southern Methodist Mustangs (SMU)
Basketball NCAAB Wed 25 Feb 22:00
California Golden Bears
  1. Prediction
  2. SGP Picks
  3. Odds
  4. Player Props
  5. Team Stats
  6. Standings

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.

Will Points Be at a Premium?

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 Beat Cal in Pair’s Previous Matchup

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 21-11 2492 2344 148 17-4 4-7 2L
SMU 20-13 2779 2561 218 17-3 3-10 1L
View Full Standings

SMU vs Cal Prediction & Picks

Our SMU vs Cal betting tips provide expert coverage of all major angles, including our main match prediction, top player prop picks, correct score recommendation and best bet builder insights.

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.

Looking for Bigger Odds?

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.

Make your bet count—our comprehensive bonus guide highlights the latest free bets and betting promo codes worth grabbing.

Our Game Prediction
Under 161.5 Points @ -105 Bet Now BetMGM logo
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BetMGM Promo Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Get Bonus T&C apply. Gamble responsibly 18+
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.
Published 02:03, 25 February 2026

Player Prop Picks

Top Pick: Chris Bell Over 3.5 Rebounds +125 BetMGM logo

Chris Bell (Cal) can be wagered to secure Over 3.5 rebounds at +125. If you agree with our verdict that he can cover the Player Rebounds total, then you can back this selection.

Latest Chris Bell Player Prop Odds


Justin Pippen Over 4.5 Rebounds -130 BetMGM logo

Justin Pippen (Cal) is available at -130 to have Over 4.5 rebounds. Out of all the prop bets, we’re going Over when it comes to this Player Rebounds wager.

Latest Justin Pippen Player Prop Odds

Pick odds and lines correct at publication. Live market odds are updated regularly and may differ. T&Cs apply. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.

Same Game Parlay Picks

Totals Under 161.5
Spread SMU -3.5
Player Rebounds Chris Bell Over 3.5

We’ve compiled a same game parlay that includes Under 161.5, combined with SMU -4.5 on the spread and Chris Bell (Cal) to get Over 3.5 rebounds.

We recommend a same game parlay as it’s a fantastic way of wagering on a single event. Many basketball bettors like to create a personalised wager which reflects their predictions for how a game is going to play out.

Pick odds and lines correct at publication. Live market odds are updated regularly and may differ. T&Cs apply. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.

Correct Score Prediction

SMU SMU logo 83 - 75 Cal logo 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.

T&Cs apply. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.

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.

Books Giving SMU Plenty of Respect

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 +160, California are regarded as having a lower probability of winning.

3.5 is where the spread lies, with total points being 162.5 right now. Having a wager on the Totals is one of the most popular basketball bets. If you’re going for Under 162.5, this outcome can be backed at -110.

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.

Betting Lines & Odds
Dai Dai Ames Favorite to Score the Most Points

In terms of landing the most baskets, favorite Dai Dai Ames is available at -115 to rack up Over 17.5 points. If you want to go Under, then the same odds are available.

Player Points
Player Assists
Player Rebounds
Micro Betting

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.

Live market odds and lines updated regularly. All odds subject to change. T&Cs apply. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.
Best Betting Offers
Team Stats

Latest regular season and playoff games stats.

SMU logo SMU Stats
Cal logo 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
Point Spread
Total Points
Total Points

NCAAB Table Select Season

Atlantic Coast Overall PF PA N. Pts Home Away Strk
Duke 32-2 2798 2147 651 21-0 11-2 11W
Virginia 29-5 2742 2326 416 19-1 10-4 1L
Miami 25-8 2704 2349 355 16-4 9-4 1L
North Carolina 24-8 2553 2282 271 19-1 5-7 2L
Clemson 24-10 2521 2269 252 16-3 8-7 1L
Louisville 23-10 2797 2382 415 16-2 7-8 1L
California 21-11 2492 2344 148 17-4 4-7 2L
Stanford 20-12 2431 2326 105 12-7 8-5 1L
NC State 20-13 2762 2525 237 13-7 7-6 1L
SMU 20-13 2779 2561 218 17-3 3-10 1L
Virginia Tech 19-13 2521 2396 125 15-4 4-9 2L
Florida State 18-15 2652 2572 80 12-8 6-7 1L
Wake Forest 17-16 2602 2543 59 12-6 5-10 1L
Syracuse 15-17 2400 2376 24 12-6 3-11 6L
Notre Dame 13-18 2308 2335 -27 11-7 2-11 2L
Pittsburgh 13-20 2327 2370 -43 8-10 5-10 1L
Boston College 11-20 2090 2191 -101 10-10 1-10 1W
Georgia Tech 11-20 2287 2400 -113 10-10 1-10 12L
  • 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