The Cal State Fullerton Titans (0-1) take on the Stanford Cardinal (1-0) in Stanford, CA. Tip-off is set for 4 p.m. ET on ACC Extra/ESPN+.
The Titans lost their opener to Grand Canyon — which is considered one of the better mid-majors in the country — 89-79. Meanwhile, the Cardinal crushed Denver 85-62 behind 24 points from USC transfer Oziyah Sellers.
The Cardinal are favored by 13 points on the spread with a moneyline of -850. The total is also set at 45 points. Here’s my Cal State Fullerton vs Stanford predictions and college basketball picks for Friday.
Cal State Fullerton vs Stanford Odds, Spread, Pick
| Cal State Fullerton Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+16.5 -110 | 141.5 110o/110u | +900 |
| Stanford Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-16.5 -110 | 141.5 110o/110u | -1600 |
- Cal State Fullerton vs Stanford spread: Stanford -16.5
- Cal State Fullerton vs Stanford over/under: 141.5 points
- Cal State Fullerton vs Stanford moneyline: Stanford -850
- Cal State Fullerton vs Stanford best bet: Stanford -13
Cal State Fullerton vs Stanford College Basketball Betting Preview
On the surface, Cal State Fullerton's 10-point loss to Grand Canyon looked encouraging. The Lopes are one of the top mid-majors in the country, and the Titans were down just two points at half and covered the 18.5-point spread.
However, the Antelopes didn't have two starters, including star player Tyon Grant-Foster.
That's not to say the Titans are a poor team, but they lack a true point guard and true Division I experience. They had 17 turnovers against the Lopes and have three sophomores in their starting lineup.
Meanwhile, this is the first year of the Kyle Smith era at Stanford, meaning it's going to take time to adjust to his scheme.
But the Cardinal have a major matchup advantage in this game, and that lies with 7-foot-1 forward Maxime Raynaud, who has incredible versatility for a player of his size. Raynaud can step out and shoot a 3, handle the ball like a point guard and pass out of double teams in the post.
In the opener, Raynaud showed off that versatility, dropping 16 points, 12 rebounds and six assists in the win over Denver. He's a true First Team All-Conference talent, and there aren't many players in the country who can both guard him in the post and maintain the foot speed necessary to stay in front of him on the perimeter.
The Titans have solid size for a mid-major team (especially in the backcourt and on the wings), but they don't have anyone capable of slowing down Raynaud.
Most importantly, Raynaud is one of six returnees for Stanford, so it's not like this team is brand new.
Add in Sellers' scoring punch and Duke transfer Jaylen Blakes' defense, and Stanford is a well-rounded mid-tier ACC team.
I think the Cardinals will pummel Cal State Fullerton here.
Pick: Stanford -13 (Play to -16.5)
