California Golden Bears vs Wake Forest Demon Deacons Picks and Predictions February 8th 2025

Demon Deacons Aim for Historic ACC Road Feat

Wake Forest has a chance to make Atlantic Coast Conference history on Saturday afternoon when it faces Cal in Berkeley. The Demon Deacons, fresh off a victory over Stanford, could become the first ACC team to complete a road sweep of the conference’s new California members.

The Demon Deacons (17-6, 9-3 ACC) secured a hard-fought 79-73 win at Stanford on Wednesday, marking the first ACC road victory at Maples Pavilion. Cameron Hildreth led the charge with 22 points, while Wake Forest’s defense clamped down on Cardinal star Maxime Raynaud, forcing him into uncomfortable shots and limiting his usual effectiveness in the paint.

Head coach Steve Forbes was particularly pleased with his team’s defensive execution, which forced Raynaud into an unusual role.

“That was our best road win of the year,” Forbes said. “We did a good job on Raynaud. We mixed it up with the double team, and it got to the point where he played point guard more than he did in the post.”

Now, Wake Forest turns its attention to Cal, a team coming off a much-needed bounce-back win over North Carolina State.

Cal Looking to Build on Momentum After Team-First Performance

Cal (12-11, 5-7 ACC) responded to a rough stretch with one of its most complete performances of the season on Wednesday, defeating NC State 74-62. The Golden Bears, who had struggled with offensive fluidity, registered 16 assists on 27 field goals—a major improvement after tallying just four assists in a loss to Syracuse.

Head coach Mark Madsen credited his team’s response to a players-only meeting, which seemed to spark improved ball movement and team chemistry.

“It went from a famine to a feast,” Madsen said. “There was a lot of emotion behind that because after the Syracuse game, our guys were upset (and) the staff was upset because the ball wasn’t moving.”

The return of Andrej Stojakovic, the highly touted Stanford transfer, provided another boost. After missing four games due to a hip injury, Stojakovic came off the bench to contribute six points, four rebounds, and two assists in 25 minutes. Though his shooting was rusty (2-for-12 from the field), his presence helped Cal find its rhythm.

Before his injury, Stojakovic had put together back-to-back 20-point performances at home, scoring 23 and 24 points in consecutive games. If he regains that form, he could be a major factor against Wake Forest.

Wake Forest’s Defensive Strategy Faces New Test

Wake Forest’s defensive effort against Stanford’s Raynaud played a key role in their win, forcing him into seven three-point attempts—an unusual sight for a big man who thrives in the post. The Deacons will likely take a similar approach in trying to contain Stojakovic, who can stretch the floor and create his own shot.

Hildreth, who led Wake Forest in scoring against Stanford, continues to be a reliable offensive force, but the Deacons’ ability to control the paint and dictate the tempo will be crucial in this matchup.

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A Crucial Game for Both Teams

With the ACC standings tightening as March approaches, every game carries significant implications. Wake Forest is looking to solidify its NCAA Tournament résumé and maintain its position near the top of the conference, while Cal aims to climb above .500 in ACC play and prove it belongs among its new conference rivals.

Can Wake Forest complete the Bay Area sweep and make history? Or will Cal’s renewed team-first approach lead to another statement win at home? With both teams needing a victory, expect a hard-fought battle in Berkeley.