Haas Pavilion proved a banana peel for various several ACC visitors last season, and Mark Madsen looks like he has another capable side as it sits 11-2 in front of New Year's Eve. The Golden Bears have plenty of scorers, led by Virginia transfer G Dai Dai Ames (17.7 ppg), one of four Cal troopers to be scoring better than 14 ppg. Another portal add, 6-7 ex-Syracuse wing Chris Bell (14.4 ppg), provides extra perimeter length that can prove unnerving to foes. Note that the 'Ville has done most of its damage at the KFC Yum! Center this season, but out on the road, the Cards were handled rather convincingly by both Arkansas and Tennessee, when defensive issues surfaced for Pat Kelsey. Play Cal

Louisville is coming off a 40-point dismantling of Montana. This will be their longest road trip of the season, traveling three time zones. Louisville is the more talented team and has played a tougher schedule. Expecting Louisville to cover an 8.5-point spread at Haas Pavilion—a venue known for its intimate layout—adds a meaningful structural disadvantage for the visitors. The metrics suggest that California's defense is competent enough to prevent a blowout. The Golden Bears' ability to hit free throws (78.5%) will be crucial in the final minutes to keep the backdoor open. Veteran starting lineup with 3 seniors, 1 junior, and Justin Pippen, a sophomore (14.6 ppg). My model has Louisville at -6.1. I like the home team in this spot.