UC Irvine vs Belmont Prediction College Basketball Picks 12/19/24

In this article, we will formulate a UC Irvine vs Belmont prediction for this College Basketball game on Thursday, December 19th at Curb Event Center Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

UC Irvine Anteaters Betting Preview

The UC Irvine Anteaters are 9-1 this season after they lost to Oregon State by a score of 67-55 in their last game. UC Irvine trailed 34-30 at halftime and only managed 25 points in the second half in the loss. The Anteaters shot 37% from the field, 30% on three-pointers, and 75% on free throws in the game. Justin Hohn led UC Irvine with 10 points and two steals in the loss. 

Prior to that game, the Anteaters won their first nine games of the season, with seven of those wins coming by double digits. UC Irvine has scored 73.2 points per game and they have allowed 60.3 points per game, while also averaging 38.4 rebounds and 16.2 assists per game this season. Brent Leuchten is averaging 14.4 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game, while UC Irvine is shooting 45.4% from the field, 82% on free throws, and 33.9% on three-pointers this year. 

Belmont Bruins Betting Preview

The Belmont Bruins are 9-2 this year after they defeated Richmond by a score of 93-86 in their last game. Belmont led 40-34 at halftime and scored 53 points in the second half in the win. The Bruins shot 57.9% from the field, 48.1% on three-pointers, and 73.7% on free throws in the game. Jonathan Pierre led Belmont with 28 points and nine assists in the game. 

Prior to that win, the Bruins won four games in a row against Middle Tennessee, Illinois State, Gardner Webb, and Tulane. Belmont has scored 84.1 points per game and they have allowed 77.7 points per game, while also averaging 36.3 rebounds and 17.7 assists per game this season. Jonathan Pierre is averaging 13.6 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game, while Belmont is shooting 48.5% from the field, 71.5% on free throws, and 38% on three-pointers this year. 

Why Belmont will beat UC Irvine

• Belmont has won 28 of its last 29 night games at Curb Event Center following a road win.

UC Irvine vs Belmont Prediction 

Both of these teams come into this matchup with very good records to start the season, but Belmont will be at home for this contest. The Bruins have won five games in a row and they are scoring over 84 points per game. Belmont has been very good offensively, but they do allow quite a few points on defense. UC Irvine is coming off of a loss against Oregon State and while they do have a 9-1 record, they don’t have any good wins. I like how fast Belmont plays and I think their high-scoring offense is going to make UC Irvine uncomfortable. Take the Bruins at home. 

David Racey's Pick: Belmont +2.5