K-State Wildcats vs. Cal Golden Bears: Basketball game time, TV, odds and pick
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Preview: K-State meets Cal in a home test that highlights perimeter defense.
- Cal enters 3-0 with inside scoring strength and a 3-point defense that limits shots.
- K-State’s hot 3-point shooting and home crowd likely tip a close, competitive game.
We are about to learn a lot about the Kansas State men’s basketball team.
The Wildcats are off to a 2-0 start, but both of their victories have come against overmatched opponents. They will play better competition over the next few weeks, starting with an 8 p.m. home game against California on Thursday at Bramlage Coliseum.
Up next for K-State is a string of games against Cal, Tulsa, Mississippi State, New Mexico or Nebraska and then Indiana.
How will Jerome Tang’s team handle a step up in competition? We’re about to find out.
Here’s everything you need to know before tipoff against Cal.
K-State vs. California: Game details
When: 8 p.m. Thursday
Where: Bramlage Coliseum (Manhattan)
TV: CBS Sports Network
Radio: KCSP (610 AM) in Kansas City, KFH (1240 AM and 97.5 FM) in Wichita
Odds: K-State by 6.5 with an O/U of 157.5.
Probable starters
California (3-0)
- F (22) — Chris Bell, 6-7, Sr., 10.7 ppg
- F (2) — John Camden, 6-8, Sr., 16.7
- F (24) — Lee Dort, 6-10, Sr., 10.0
- G (10) — Justin Pippen, 6-3, So., 14.3
- G (7) — Dai Dai Ames, 6-2, Jr., 21.7
Kansas State (2-0)
- F (21) — Khamari McGriff, 6-9, Sr., 10.0
- F (0) — Elias Rapieque, 6-9, Jr., 4.5
- G (34) — Nate Johnson, 6-3, Sr., 15.5
- G (1) — Abdi Bashir, 6-7, Jr., 15.5
- G (4) — PJ Haggerty, 6-4, Jr., 25.0
About California:
The Golden Bears are off to a 3-0 start with wins over Bakersfield, Wright State and Fullerton. They rank inside the top 100 in both offensive and defensive efficiency. They are best on defense at the 3-point line, where opponents are only making 25% of their shots. There are few familiar names on this roster, including Justin Pippen (the son of former Chicago Bulls starter Scottie Pippen) and Dai Dai Ames (who played at K-State as a freshman). Ames seems to have found a nice fit at Cal, as he is averaging 21.7 points per game.
About K-State:
The Wildcats have lit it up from 3-point range in their first two games. Abdi Bashir, David Castillo and Nate Johnson have helped K-State make 56% of its shots from beyond the arc this season. That hot shooting has led the Wildcats to easy victories over UNC Greensboro and Bellarmine. K-State is winning with offense instead of defense early on this season. PJ Haggerty leads the team with 25 points per game.
K-State game prediction:
This figures to be Kansas State’s first true test of the season.
Cal checks in at No. 86 nationally at Bart Torvik and No. 83 at Ken Pomeroy. K-State is rated No. 83 and No. 54 by the same ratings systems. Both teams play in power conferences and they are each blessed with athleticism and size.
If K-State continues to shoot well from the outside it should have no problem winning this game. But Cal will challenge the Wildcats on the perimeter more than they are accustomed to. It will be interesting to see how Tang’s team handles a step up in competition.
Cal scores most of its points around the rim and at the free-throw line. The Golden Bears should be able to succeed in the front court. But K-State possesses the stronger back court.
Bramlage Coliseum could play a big role in this game.
Cal hasn’t played a strong opponent this season. It also hasn’t played a road game yet. K-State should benefit from the home crowd. With that in mind, I expect the favorite to win on its own turf.
K-State 83, Cal 79
Last game prediction: K-State 105, Bellarmine 72 ✅ (actual score: K-State 98, Bellarmine 71)
Season record: 2-0.
Season record ATS: 2-0.
Season record O/U: 2-0.