Cal Poly vs UC Irvine Prediction 3/5/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

In this article we will formulate a Cal Poly vs UC Irvine prediction for this College Basketball game on Thursday, March 5th at the Bren Events Center in Irvine, California. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

Cal Poly Mustangs Betting Preview

The Cal Poly Mustangs are 13-17 (9-9) this season after they lost to UC San Diego by a score of 80-64 in their last game. Cal Poly trailed 42-24 at halftime, but they scored 40 points in the second half in the loss. The Mustangs shot 38% from the field, 31% on three pointers, and 100% on free throws in the game. Hamad Mousa led Cal Poly with 19 points and nine rebounds, while Cayden Ward added 12 points and 10 rebounds in the loss. 

Prior to that game, Cal Poly defeated Long Beach State by a score of 102-92 and Hawaii by a score of 86-75. The Mustangs have scored 81.6 points per game with 37.8 rebounds and 13.2 assists per game, while they have allowed 85.0 points against per game this season. Hamad Mousa is averaging 20.4 points and 6.2 rebounds per game, while Cayden Ward is averaging 14.5 points and 6.2 rebounds per game for the Mustangs. Cal Poly is shooting 43.4% from the field, 78.5% on free throws, and 33.6% on three pointers this season. 

UC Irvine Anteaters Betting Preview

The UC Irvine Anteaters are 20-10 (13-5) this year after they defeated UCSB by a score of 64-60 in their last game. UC Irvine led 32-23 at halftime, but they were outscored 37-32 in the second half in the win. The Anteaters shot 40% from the field, 10% on three pointers, and 63% on free throws in the game. Jurian Dixon led UC Irvine with 13 points and six rebounds, while Jovan Jester Jr added 13 points and four rebounds in the win. 

Prior to that game, UC Irvine defeated CS Northridge by a score of 68-67, but lost to UC San Diego by a score of 71-69 before that. The Anteaters have scored 76.3 points per game with 40.0 rebounds and 16.1 assists per game, while they have allowed 67.5 points against per game this season. Jurian Dixon is averaging 15.5 points and 3.4 rebounds per game, while Kyle Evans is averaging 11.7 points and 8.6 rebounds per game for the Anteaters. UC Irvine is shooting 46.1% from the field, 68.1% on free throws, and 33.3% on three pointers this year. 

Why the UC Irvine Anteaters will win

• Cal Poly has lost each of its last nine games at Bren Events Center against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• UC Irvine has won 13 of its last 14 home games against Cal Poly at Bren Events Center.
• Cal Poly has lost the first half in eight of its last nine games at Bren Events Center against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Why the Cal Poly Mustangs will win

• Cal Poly has won four of its last five games against Conference opponents.

Total Points Facts

• Each of UC Irvine’s last six games against Conference opponents have produced a total of 152 or fewer points.
• Twenty-five of Cal Poly’s last 33 games against non-AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 158+ points.

Cal Poly vs UC Irvine Prediction 

UC Irvine comes into this matchup with a 13-5 record in Big West play and they have won four of their last five games. The Anteaters are shooting 46% from the field and they have allowed 67 points or fewer in all four of those wins. Cal Poly had their winning streak snapped in their last game, but they are shooting 43% from the field and they have scored at least 86 points in three of their last four. These two teams play at two different paces and Cal Poly is allowing 85 points against per game this year, so I will take the Anteaters to pull away for the cover at home.

David Racey's Pick: UC Irvine -9.5