Long Beach State vs Cal State Northridge Picks and Prediction – 1/24/2025

On Thursday, the Long Beach State Beach (7-12) face off against the Cal State Northridge Matadors (12-6) at Premier America Credit Union Center in Northridge, California. Get ready for the college basketball season with our college basketball picks.

Cal State Northridge comes into this matchup on a one-game winning streak and has won three of their last five games. In a commanding 83-60 victory over Hawai'i, Scotty Washington shone for the Matadors by dropping an impressive 24 points. This season, Marcus Adams Jr. has been the standout scorer for Cal State Northridge, boasting a robust scoring average of 15.7 points per game. Following closely is Scotty Washington, the team's second-highest scorer, who maintains an average of 13.9 points per game. On the boards, Keonte Jones has proven to be a force, leading the Matadors with an average of 9.1 rebounds each contest. Jones is also a key playmaker, topping the team in assists with an average of 3.9 per game. Over their last five matchups, Cal State Northridge has maintained a strong scoring streak, averaging 81.6 points per game. As they gear up to face Long Beach State, the Matadors aim to secure their fifth win in conference play. Across the entire season, they have consistently averaged 81.4 points per game.

Long Beach State enters this game on a two-game losing streak and has dropped four of their last five games. In a recent defeat against Cal State Fullerton, where they lost 83-67, TJ Wainwright stood out for Long Beach State by scoring an impressive 31 points. Throughout the current season, Devin Askew has been the team's top scorer, maintaining an average of 17.8 points per game. Following him, TJ Wainwright ranks second in scoring for the team, with an average of 12.4 points per game. In rebounding, Derrick Michael Xzavierro has been the standout, averaging 6 rebounds per game. Devin Askew also leads the team in facilitating plays, with an average of 4.4 assists per game. Over their last five matchups, Long Beach State has been struggling defensively, allowing opponents to score an average of 78.4 points. As they prepare for their upcoming game in Northridge, the team is eager to balance their conference record. Overall, Long Beach State averages 66.9 points per game this season.

Long Beach State has managed to secure wins in only half of their eight away games, struggling to deliver strong offensive performances when not on their home court. In their upcoming matchup, they aim to halt Cal State Northridge’s momentum. Cal State Northridge has been performing well, especially when playing at home, claiming victories in four out of their six home games. Additionally, they have won four out of seven games in their conference matchups. Given Cal State Northridge’s more consistent and cohesive gameplay compared to Long Beach State's, I believe they have the advantage in this one. Final Score Prediction, Cal State Northridge Matadors win but fail to cover, 81-70.