UC Riverside vs Cal State Bakersfield Picks and Predictions for Thursday, January 8, 2026

By: Cameron Ross Published 01/08/2026, 01:45 AM ET
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UC Riverside vs Cal State Bakersfield Information

The UC Riverside Highlanders will be on the road Thursday night, playing in Bakersfield at 9:30 PM against Cal State Bakersfield. UC Riverside has six wins and 9 losses this season, having lost four of the last five, including three in a row after a 43-point home loss to Hawaii. Cal State Bakersfield comes into Thursday with seven wins through 16 games played, having won three of the last four overall after a narrow two-point road victory last time out. Stay in the news with our College Basketball Picks.

UC Riverside Preview

The UC Riverside offense is averaging 72.3 points on 45% shooting from the floor, but the Highlanders have averaged only 60.25 points per game over the last four losses. Defensively, UC Riverside is allowing 78.9 points per game this season, but has allowed an average of 94.25 points per game over its last four losses. Andrew Henderson leads the UC Riverside offense this season, averaging 16.1 points per game. Marqui Worthy Jr. is 2nd on the roster, adding 14 points to go along with the team's leading 2.9 assists. Osiris Grady is third on the team, averaging 13.3 points to go along with the team’s leading 6.5 rebounds per game.

Cal State Bakersfield Preview

The Cal State Bakersfield offense is averaging 73.6 points per game on 42% shooting from the floor this season and poured in 81 points last time out. Defensively, Cal State Bakersfield is allowing 77.9 points per game this season through 16 games played. Dailin Smith leads the Cal State Bakersfield offense this season, averaging 14.9 points per game. CJ Hardy averages 13.7 points and leads the team, dishing out 2.7 assists. Ronald Jessamy is averaging 12.4 points per game as the third player on the roster in double digits. Big man Pierre Geneste Jr. averages 28 points and leads the team, pulling in 6.4 rebounds per game.

UC Riverside vs Cal State Bakersfield Prediction

Both teams have been below average this season, as each comes to Thursday night under .500. Cal State Bakersfield is the better overall team, however, and will do the work in this matchup. Look for the Roadrunners to do the job on both sides of the ball, ending their recent issues as they get a needed win and cover. Take Cal State Bakersfield Thursday night to get the win and cover at home against UC Riverside to pick up their eighth victory of the season. Final Score Prediction, Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners win and cover 74-65.

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Best Picks:

  • Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners -2.5
  • Under 152.5

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