Cal Irvine vs UC Santa Barbara Prediction 3/8/25 College Basketball Picks

The UC-Irvine Anteaters are visiting the UCSB Gauchos on Saturday, March 8th at The Thunderdome, in this Big West matchup. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s a UC-Irvine Anteaters vs UCSB Gauchos Prediction. We will examine:

The UCSB Gauchos recent form and player performance

The UC-Irvine Anteaters recent form and player performance

Recent betting trends and streaks involving the UCSB Gauchos

Recent betting trends and streaks involving the UC-Irvine Anteaters

Recent betting trends in games played between UC-Irvine Anteatersand UCSB Gauchos

A summary that ties it all together and produces a favorable betting outcome for UC-Irvine Anteaters vs UCSB Gauchos game

UCSB Gauchos Preview

The UCSB Gauchos have a 19-11 record this season and are sitting on the 5th place of the Big West, having already been qualified for the upcoming conference tournament. The Gauchos are coming off a 77-103 loss in Cal State Northridge. The Gauchos are 12-16 against the spread, and 13-15 in over/under, while having a 12-4 home record.

Offensively, UCSB is averaging 74.6 points per game, which ranks 157th in the nation. Defensively, they allow 67.9 points per game (60th). The Gauchos shoot with 47.2% from the field (56th), and with 39.1% from beyond the arc, which is the 7th-best in the nation. The Gauchos shoot with 76.5% from the free-throw line (42nd), and are grabbing 34.2 rebounds per game (240th). 

Stephan Swenson leads UCSB in scoring this season, with an average of 13 points, 3.5 rebounds and a team-high 4.4 assists, while Kenny Pohto adds 12 points and a team-high 6.3 rebounds per game.

UC-Irvine Anteaters Preview

The UC Irvine Anteaters have a 26-5 record this season and are sitting on the second place of the Big West, having already been qualified for the upcoming conference tournament. They are coming off an 88-59 win in UC Davis. The Anteaters are 19-11 against the spread, and 12-18 in over/under, while having a 13-3 road record.

Offensively, UC-Irvine is averaging 75 points per game, which ranks 145th in the nation. Defensively, they allow 64.8 points per game (21st). The Anteaters shoot with 45.1% from the field (162nd), and with 35% from beyond the arc (127th). The Anteaters shoot with 79.6% from the free-throw line, which is the 7th-best in the nation, and are grabbing 38.5 rebounds per game (34th).

Bent Leuchten leads UC-Irvine in scoring with an average of 15.5 points and a team-high 9 rebounds, while Myles Che adds 12.9 points per game.

Why the UC Santa Barbara Gauchos will win

• UC Santa Barbara has won seven of its last eight home games following a road loss.
• UC Santa Barbara has won the first half in each of its last four home games against the Big West Conference.

Why the UC Irvine Anteaters will win

• UC Irvine has won 18 of its last 19 road night games against the Big West Conference.
• UC Irvine has won the first half in 12 of its last 14 road night games against the Big West Conference.

Matchup/League Facts

• UC Santa Barbara ranks 1st among Division 1 teams for opponent blocks per game this season (1.9).
• UC Santa Barbara ranks 7th among Division 1 teams for three-point percentage this season (39.1%).
• UC Irvine ranks 7th among Division 1 teams for free throw percentage this season (79.6%).
• UC Irvine ranks 7th among Division 1 teams for opponent free throws made per game this season (9.8).

UC-Irvine Anteaters vs UCSB Gauchos Prediction

UC-Irvine is 7-3 in their last 10 meetings against UCSB, and are 6-4 against the spread. Under is 3-1 in their last 4 meetings, and in their previous meeting earlier this season, UC-Irvine won 62-60 at home, not covering the spread, as the game went under the point total.

In this UC-Irvine Anteaters vs UCSB Gauchos Prediction, UC-Irvine is coming as -3.5 road favorites. UC-Irvine is rightfully favored, as they have a better record this season, but they have been one of the best road teams in the nation. UCSB is also very strong at home, and both teams have something to play for in this final game of the regular season, as they are looking for the best placement possible in the upcoming conference tournament. Both teams are in good form lately, as UCSB is 6-3 in their last 9 games and UC Irvine is 8-2 in their last 10. Both teams are 7-4 to the under in their last 11 games combined, and their previous meeting this season also went under the total. I expect another low-scoring affair, so take the under the point total in this one.  

Nikos Lagouretos's Pick: Under 139.5