Cal State Northridge Matadors vs UC Riverside Highlanders Picks and Prediction for Saturday, February 28, 2026
Cal State Northridge hits the road to face UC Riverside in Big West action on Saturday night. The Matadors are 18-10 overall and 11-5 in conference play, tied for 1st in the Big West standings. UC Riverside is 9-20 overall and 4-13 in conference play, sitting 10th as the Highlanders try to finish the season strong at home. Northridge already beat Riverside 88-74 earlier this month. Win big with our free college basketball picks.
Game Information
- Date: Saturday, February 28
- Time: 8:00 PM ET
- Location: SRC Arena, Riverside, CA
- TV: ESPN+
Cal State Northridge Matadors Preview
Northridge is built to score, averaging 82.0 points per game on 45.7% shooting, and it complements that with strong passing (17.3 assists per game) and rebounding (41.7 per contest). Larry Hughes II is the leader at 18.2 points per game while knocking down 42.4% from three, giving the Matadors a go-to option on the perimeter. Josiah Davis runs the show with 7.3 assists per game, but also averages 4.5 turnovers, so ball security is the one concern on the road. Joshua O’Garro is a matchup problem inside, posting 13.9 points and 9.4 rebounds per game, and Mahmoud Fofana adds 11.5 points with 7.9 boards while shooting 63.4% from the field. Northridge averages 7.1 steals per game, and if it controls the glass again, it can keep Riverside from getting out in transition.
Injury Report: Cal State Northridge does not have any injuries
Key Stats – Per Game
- Points: 82.0
- Points Allowed: 79.0
- Rebounds: 41.7
- Assists: 17.3
- Steals: 7.1
- Blocks: 2.8
- Turnovers: 13.0
UC Riverside Highlanders Preview
Riverside averages 72.6 points per game on 43.6% shooting and has been inconsistent defensively, allowing 77.4 points per contest. Andrew Henderson carries the scoring load at 17.9 points per game and shoots 34.4% from three, while Marqui Worthy Jr. adds 15.7 points and a team-high 2.9 assists per game, but his 3.4 turnovers per game could be a problem for the Highlanders. BJ Kolly is the main interior presence at 8.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game. The Highlanders average only 4.2 blocks per game, and are out-rebounded most nights, and that’s a major issue against a Matadors team that attacks the boards. If Riverside is going to pull off the upset, it needs a hot shooting night.
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Injury Report: UC Riverside does not have any injuries
Key Stats – Per Game
- Points: 72.6
- Points Allowed: 77.4
- Rebounds: 34.9
- Assists: 12.7
- Steals: 5.3
- Blocks: 4.2
- Turnovers: 13.5
Cal State Northridge vs UC Riverside Prediction
Northridge has the clear advantage thanks to scoring and rebounding, and rebounding is the big factor in this matchup. Riverside’s shot-blocking can bother drives, but the Highlanders struggle to string together stops, and the Matadors have multiple scorers who can hurt defenses each possession. With Hughes providing perimeter shot-making and O’Garro/Fofana controlling the paint, Northridge will beat Riverside a second time on Saturday. Final Score Prediction: Cal State Northridge Matadors win and cover ATS, 84-74.
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