California at Stanford

California is a big dog to longtime rival Stanford in this neutral-site game at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Cal won its opening-round games each of the last three seasons, defeating Washington State (84-59), Oregon State (76-68) and last year against Oregon State (67-62). Cal played Stanford evenly during its two regular season meetings, winning 77-74 as a +4 dog and losing 77-73 in Berkeley, covering both contests. Stanford is three games above .500 on the season and ranks ninth in the Pac 12 in points allowed, eighth in field goal shooting defense and at defending the three. On offense, the Cardinal is #11 in free throw shooting (.688%), just 1-7 ATS against losing teams. Cal has covered four of the last five meetings and will keep this rivalry game close. Play California.