Stanford Cardinal vs Cal State Northridge Matadors Picks and Predictions March 18th 2025

Stanford’s Postseason Experience vs. Northridge’s Historic Run

Cal State Northridge (22-10) heads into uncharted territory as the Matadors make their first-ever NIT appearance, visiting Stanford (20-13) in a first-round matchup on Tuesday night. Northridge matched a school record for wins this season but fell short of breaking it after losing in the Big West Tournament quarterfinals. Now, they aim to extend their breakthrough season with a postseason victory.

Stanford, meanwhile, is no stranger to the NIT, having won the tournament three times (1991, 2012, 2015). The Cardinal enter the tournament as a host team and will look to use that home-court advantage to continue their strong finish to the season.

For bettors, this game presents an intriguing contrast between Northridge’s momentum and Stanford’s experience in postseason play. Evaluating College Basketball Picks for this matchup means weighing whether the Matadors can rise to the occasion or if the Cardinal’s depth and size will be too much to handle.

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Cal State Northridge Looks to Cap Historic Season

The Matadors have already put together one of their most memorable campaigns in program history, tying the school record for wins (22) and securing their first NIT bid. However, after finishing the regular season with a big 82-73 win over Hawaii, they couldn’t carry that momentum into the Big West Tournament, falling 78-72 to UC Santa Barbara.

One of the biggest challenges for Northridge will be dealing with Stanford’s size inside. Senior forward Keonte Jones will be tasked with defending Stanford’s Maxime Raynaud, despite giving up more than six inches in height. Jones has been a force on the boards all season, leading the Matadors with 9.2 rebounds per game, and he’ll need to be at his best to give his team a chance.

Northridge’s success has largely been due to their aggressive play on both ends of the floor. If they can create turnovers and push the pace, they may be able to put pressure on Stanford’s half-court defense.

Stanford’s Size and Experience Provide an Edge

Stanford has exceeded expectations in its first season in the ACC, finishing seventh in the conference and securing an NIT berth after a competitive showing in the conference tournament. The Cardinal defeated California 78-73 before nearly pulling off an upset against No. 13 Louisville, falling 75-73.

The key to Stanford’s success has been center Maxime Raynaud, who leads the team with 20.1 points and 10.6 rebounds per game. His presence in the paint could be a deciding factor in this matchup, particularly given Northridge’s size disadvantage.

Coach Kyle Smith has emphasized staying focused on improving each game, and with Stanford hosting the first two rounds of the NIT, the Cardinal are in a strong position to make a deep run. They have also never lost to Northridge, holding a 6-0 all-time record in the series.

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Expert Prediction and Betting Insight

Stanford’s size, depth, and home-court advantage make them the favorite in this matchup. Northridge will need to play at a fast pace and force turnovers to keep the game close, but Stanford’s ability to control the paint and rebound effectively gives them a major edge.

For bettors, Stanford’s postseason experience and home-court advantage make them a strong pick, while the game’s pace could dictate the total points outcome. If the Matadors can create transition opportunities, the game could be higher-scoring than expected.

For more insights, check out our College Basketball Picks before finalizing your wagers on this NIT showdown.