Expert prediction
NIT Second Round: Saint Joseph’s vs California Preview, Odds, Predictions (March 22)
Pick rationale
Analysis & key factors
- The Hawks took down Colorado State in the first round.
- The Golden Bears beat UIC in the Round of 32.
- This marks the second all-time meeting between the two programs.
The final NIT second-round matchup of the March 22 slate will see the Saint Joseph’s Hawks take on the California Golden Bears. The hosts stand tall as slight favorites for the win, having a game that will conclude the NIT second round in great fashion.
How to Watch
- When: Sunday, March 22, 9 pm ET
- Where: Haas Pavilion, Berkeley, California
- How to Watch: ESPNU
NCAA Matchup Odds & Lines
| Team | Odds | Spread | Totals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saint Joseph’s | -110 | +5.5 | O152 |
| California | -110 | -5.5 | U152 |
Game Preview
The Hawks (23-11) hope to continue their journey in the NIT, surprisingly beating Colorado State in the first round. It is the program’s first win in the NIT since a 71-62 victory against Rutgers in March 2006. Jaiden Glover-Toscano, Austin Williford and Derek Simpson each scored 13 in the game. Simpson added nine rebounds and three steals. Anthony Finkley scored 10, hitting a pair of treys and going 4-for-4 from the line.
The Golden Bears (22-11) are on a roll in the NIT, beating down UIC to reach the last 16. Chris Bell’s career-high 31 points with seven 3-pointers made to lead the squad to victory. He led all scorers on the night, and the Bears also had Justin Pippen (18 points) and John Camden (13) hit double figures. Pippen scored 16 points on 5-for-5 shooting in the second half and also served up six assists in the game.
Saint Joseph’s vs California Head-to-Head
The two programs are facing each other for the second time in their respective histories. Saint Joseph’s won the initial encounter by a 63-59 score in December 2003.
Saint Joseph’s vs California Predictions
The winner of this matchup will take on the victor between New Mexico and George Washington in the quarterfinals. Cal is 17-3 when holding opponents to 72 points or less. Cal is also 10-1 when holding teams to under 40 percent shooting. This presents an opportunity for the squad to deliver a strong defensive performance to get to the next round. Our betting pick here is for the Golden Bears to defend a 5.5-point spread.
- Free NCAAB pick: California Golden Bears -5.5
NCAAB
More Predictions
NFL Odds, Predictions: Broncos vs. Cardinals Week 7 Preview & Picks (Oct 25)
Cards beat the Rams on the road, which gave them a massive morale boost ahead of this event. Meanwhile, the Broncos are in excellent shape, with 4 wins in 5 weeks. Both teams aim for a triumph in Glendale, yet who will come out on top? Stay tuned with us to see the latest NFL […]
Men’s National Championship: UConn vs Michigan Preview, Odds, Predictions (April 6)
The NCAA Tournament has come down to its last game of the 2025-26 campaign, seeing the Big East’s UConn Huskies duke it out with the Big Ten’s Michigan Wolverines. The latter stands out as the slight favorite, presenting the high stakes that will be actively present in this championship showdown. How to Watch NCAA Matchup […]
NIT Championship: Tulsa vs Auburn Preview, Odds, Predictions (April 5)
The 2026 NIT will come to an end as the Auburn Tigers take on the Tulsa Golden Hurricane on Sunday night. The former stands out as the slight favorite, meaning that Tulsa will have its work cut out for them throughout the championship showdown. How to Watch NCAA Matchup Odds & Lines Team Odds Spread […]
College Basketball Crown Championship: Oklahoma vs West Virginia Preview, Odds, Predictions (April 5)
The 2026 College Basketball Crown will come to a close when the West Virginia Mountaineers take on the Oklahoma Sooners. The Sooners stand out as a slight favorite, paving the way for a great showdown in the championship round. How to Watch NCAA Matchup Odds & Lines Team Odds Spread Totals Oklahoma -115 -3 O137 […]
Women’s National Championship: South Carolina vs UCLA Preview, Odds, Predictions (April 5)
The championship game of the 2026 NCAA Women’s Tournament has arrived as it features a battle between the SEC’s South Carolina Gamecocks and the Big Ten’s UCLA Bruins. The former comes out as the slight favorite as both teams compete for the right to end the campaign as national champions. How to Watch NCAA Matchup […]