California vs. Mississippi State predictions, picks for 2025 women's NCAA Tournament
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Women's NCAA March Madness: Keys to a deep run
Local reporters break down some of the top teams, and their keys to victory in the 2025 March Madness tournament.
The 2025 NCAA women's tournament is here, folks.
Among the first-round action Saturday night will be a matchup between California and Mississippi State.
The California Golden Bears finished the 2024-25 season with a 25-8 record, good for seventh in the ACC. That earned them an 8 seed in the 2025 women's March Madness bracket. Their opponent, the Mississippi State Bulldogs, was 21-11 and picked up a 9 seed.
California is ranked 30th in the country in efficiency by Barttorvik, while Mississippi State is ranked 35th.
Here's how our experts see Thursday's Round of 64 clash playing out. Be sure to check out USA TODAY's complete March Madness bracket breakdown for in-depth analysis. While you're at it, don't forget to read our tournament upset picks and players who could make a splash.
Without further ado, here are our California vs. Mississippi State picks and predictions.
California vs. Mississippi State picks and predictions
Sam Sklar, The Clarion Ledger: Mississippi State 79, California 76
Mississippi State 79, California 76 Sklar writes in the Clarion Ledger: "Mississippi State could have the advantage with its depth. Cal has three players that play more than 30 minutes per game compared to only one for Mississippi State. That's where MSU center Madina Okot could tilt the game. If she can have a dominant performance in the post that causes foul trouble for Cal, the Bulldogs could be in a good spot."
USA TODAY: Experts 4-1 for California
Experts 4-1 for California Liam Rooney, Tallahassee Democrat: Mississippi State
Mississippi State Cory Diaz, The Daily Advertiser: California
California Tom Noie, South Bend Tribune: California
California vs. Mississippi State date, start time, how to watch
Game Day: Saturday, March 22, 2025
Saturday, March 22, 2025 Game Time: 5:30 p.m. ET
5:30 p.m. ET Location: Galen Center in Los Angeles, California
Galen Center in Los Angeles, California TV Channel: ESPN2
ESPN2 Live Stream: Fubo - Watch Now!
Watch California vs. Mississippi State on Fubo
California vs. Mississippi State odds
Odds via BetMGM as of Thursday, March 20.
Spread: California -1.5
California -1.5 Moneyline Favorite: California -130
California -130 Moneyline Underdog: Mississippi State +110
Mississippi State +110 Total: 145.5
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