Cal State Northridge Matadors vs UC Davis Aggies Picks and Predictions for Thursday January 1 2026

By: Jake Allman Published 01/01/2026, 12:15 AM ET

Cal State Northridge and UC Davis square off in a Big West matchup on Thursday from the University Credit Union Center in Davis, California. Tip-off is set for 8:00 PM Eastern Time on ESPN+. Northridge enters at 8-6 overall and 1-1 in conference play, while UC Davis sits at 7-5 and is looking for its first Big West win after an 0-1 start. ESPN Analytics gives the Aggies a modest edge at home, but the numbers suggest a competitive game. Slam dunk your bets with our College Basketball picks.

Cal State Northridge Preview

Cal State Northridge has been productive offensively, averaging 80.6 points per game while shooting 44 percent from the field. Larry Hughes II leads the Matadors at 18.9 points per game on 46.8 percent shooting and also tops the roster in steals. Joshua O’Garro adds balance with 13.9 points and 9.4 rebounds per game, giving Northridge a reliable inside presence. Ball security can be an issue at times, shown by 13.4 turnovers per game, but the Matadors offset that with strong rebounding at 41.4 per contest.

Recent form has been solid for Northridge with four wins in the last five games, including a 100-88 win over Sacramento State and an 88-53 blowout of LIU. The loss at Stanford was competitive, showing the Matadors can play with more talented competition. Pace is a big part of this team’s identity, and Northridge is comfortable pushing games into the 80s. That style puts pressure on opponents that struggle to keep up offensively.

UC Davis Preview

UC Davis comes in averaging 79.8 points per game while allowing 74.3, giving the Aggies a more balanced profile. Nils Cooper leads the way with 15.1 points per game while shooting an impressive 59.2 percent from the field. Connor Sevilla provides perimeter support at 14.0 points per game and shoots 44.1 percent from three. The Aggies rebound less than Northridge at 33.0 per game, but efficiency and ball movement help offset that gap.

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The Aggies have won two straight after a rough stretch, including a dominant 108-52 win over Pacific Union College and a 93-83 road win at Idaho State. Losses to Oregon and Hawaii exposed issues against athletic teams, but UC Davis tends to play better at home. Turnovers remain a concern at 13.1 per game, especially against an aggressive Northridge backcourt.

UC Davis vs Cal State Northridge

This matchup shapes up as a contrast between Northridge’s rebounding and pace against UC Davis’ shooting efficiency. The home court edge matters, but the Matadors’ recent form and edge on the glass stand out. Expect a fast-paced game with plenty of scoring opportunities on both sides. The best sportsbooks are the best way to go when you are betting on Cal State Northridge. Make sure you know about how the fans are looking on prediction markets for UC Davis with the Onyx Odds promo code. Getting the most out of your bets on UC Davis vs Cal State Northridge can be done by using the Fanatics Sportsbook promo code.

Prediction: Cal State Northridge 82, UC Davis 78

Best Pick: Cal State Northridge to win the game based on rebounding advantage and recent momentum.

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