California Golden Bears vs Florida State Seminoles Picks and Predictions January 22nd 2025

Florida State wants to make most of long trip, starting at Cal

Florida State University’s men’s basketball team is gearing up for a critical two-game road trip to California, beginning with their first-ever visit to Berkeley to face the University of California, Berkeley (Cal) on Wednesday night. The Seminoles are determined to continue their ascent in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) standings, even as they face the challenge of playing on the road.

Sign Up Today!

A Historic Matchup with High Stakes

The last—and only—time these two teams met was in the 2008 Global Sports Classic in Las Vegas. Florida State narrowly edged out Cal in that matchup, winning 80-77. However, this time, the stakes are higher as both teams aim to solidify their positions in their respective conferences.

Florida State (13-5, 4-3 ACC) enters the game in strong form, having won four of their last five games. Meanwhile, Cal (9-9, 2-5 ACC) is seeking consistency after a mixed season, punctuated by a historic road win at North Carolina State last weekend.

Florida State’s Perspective: A Road Test and Team-Building Opportunity

Seminoles head coach Leonard Hamilton sees this trip not just as a series of games but as an opportunity for growth.

“Most importantly, we want to go and come back with two victories,” Hamilton stated. “So the way I picture it: Let’s go and make the best of it. As opposed to thinking of the challenges, I want to think about spending that much time together. It will help us grow as a team and a brotherhood.”

Hamilton’s team has shown resilience in recent weeks. After starting ACC play 0-2, they’ve rallied to secure a winning conference record. Their 91-78 victory over Georgia Tech last Saturday showcased their offensive depth, with standout performances from Jamir Watkins (17 points), Malique Ewin (17 points), and Taylor Bol Bowen, who led the team with 20 points.

NCAAB Expert Handicappers

Cal’s Focus: Building on Momentum

The Golden Bears are no strangers to hosting Eastern opponents, having split games against Virginia and Virginia Tech earlier this season. Their victory at North Carolina State marked a milestone as their first ACC road win, a result that coach Mark Madsen hopes to build on.

“Our guys never stopped believing,” Madsen said after the win in Raleigh. “And the biggest thing is they never stopped working.”

Cal’s offensive charge is led by Andrej Stojakovic, whose 19.6 points per game rank fourth in the ACC. Stojakovic will be instrumental in Cal’s quest to secure back-to-back conference wins for the first time this season.

Key Players to Watch

This matchup features three of the ACC’s top 10 scorers, promising an exciting offensive battle:

• Cal’s Andrej Stojakovic: Averaging 19.6 points per game, the Golden Bears rely on his scoring ability to lead their offense.
• FSU’s Jamir Watkins: At 18.4 points per game, Watkins provides consistent scoring and versatility on the court.
• FSU’s Malique Ewin: Contributing 17.7 points per game, Ewin adds depth and power to the Seminoles’ offensive strategy.

Challenges and Opportunities

Both teams face unique challenges heading into the matchup. Florida State must contend with the fatigue of cross-country travel and hostile away crowds at both Cal and Stanford. For Cal, maintaining momentum and consistency will be key, particularly against a confident and in-form Seminoles team.

Statistical Breakdown

What to Expect

The game promises a high-scoring affair, with both teams boasting key offensive weapons. Florida State will look to exploit their depth and recent momentum, while Cal will aim to leverage home-court advantage and their star player’s firepower.

Elevate your sports betting to the next level

Conclusion

For Florida State, this trip represents more than just two games—it’s a chance to test their resilience and build camaraderie as they push deeper into the ACC season. Meanwhile, Cal will be eager to prove that their win over NC State wasn’t a fluke and establish themselves as a force in the conference.

The stage is set for a thrilling encounter in Berkeley, with both teams hungry for victory.