CSU Northridge vs Cal Irvine Prediction 3/13/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

In this article, we will formulate a Cal State Northridge vs UC Irvine Prediction for this Big West Semifinal on Friday, March 13th. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this college basketball matchup.

UC Irvine Anteaters Preview

The UC Irvine Anteaters have a 22-10 overall record and a 15-5 record in the Big West conference. They are coming off a 79-69 win against UC Davis and their previous three games were a 107-85 win against Cal Poly, a 64-60 win against UC Santa Barbara and a 68-67 road win against Cal State Northridge.

Offensively, UC Irvine averages 77.3 points per game, while allowing 68.1 points per game defensively. The Anteaters shoot with 47% from the field and grab 40.3 rebounds per game, while dishing out 16.2 assists per game. They average 5.9 blocks per game and 7.8 steals per game defensively.

Jurian Dixon leads UC Irvine in scoring, with an average of 15.9 points per game, while shooting with 43.3% from the field and 79.6% from the free throw line. Kyle Evans is the team’s leading rebounder with 8.5 per game. Tama Isaac leads the team in assists with 4.1 per game.

Cal State Northridge Matadors Preview

The Cal State Northridge Matadors have a 20-13 overall record and a 12-8 record in the Big West conference. They are coming off an 80-70 win against UC San Diego and their previous three games were a 90-77 win against Cal State Fullerton, an 86-84 road win against Cal State Bakersfield and a 95-84 road loss against UC Riverside.

Offensively, Cal State Northridge averages 81.5 points per game, while allowing 79.4 points per game defensively. The Matadors shoot with 45% from the field and grab 41.8 rebounds per game, while dishing out 16.9 assists per game. They average 2.9 blocks per game and 6.9 steals per game defensively.

Larry Hughes II leads Cal State Northridge in scoring, with an average of 18.2 points per game, while shooting with 42.4% from the field and 86.4% from the free throw line. Joshua O’Garro is the team’s leading rebounder with 9.3 per game. Josiah Davis leads the team in assists with 7.4 per game.

Cal State Northridge Matadors @ UC Irvine Anteaters Betting Trends: March 13, 2026

Why the UC Irvine Anteaters will win

• UC Irvine has won each of its last 10 games following an overtime win.
• Cal State Northridge has lost nine of its last 11 Conference Tournament games.
• Cal State Northridge has lost the first half in seven of its last eight Conference Tournament games.

Why the Cal State Northridge Matadors will win

• Cal State Northridge has won six of its last seven night games.
• UC Irvine has lost four of its last five Conference Tournament night games.
• UC Irvine has lost the first half in four of its last five games played at neutral venues after coming off overtime.

Total Points Facts

• Thirteen of Cal State Northridge’s last 14 night games have produced a total of 150+ points.
• Five of UC Irvine’s last six games have produced a total of 148 or fewer points.

Matchup/League Facts

• UC Irvine ranks 3rd among Division 1 teams for opponent field goal percentage this season (38.1%).
• UC Irvine ranks 3rd among Division 1 teams for defensive rating this season (94.8).
• Cal State Northridge ranks 363rd among Division 1 teams for opponent three-point field goal attempts per game this season (30.6).
• Cal State Northridge ranks 3rd among Division 1 teams for pace this season (75.3).

Cal State Northridge vs UC Irvine Prediction

In this Cal State Northridge vs UC Irvine Prediction, UC Irvine is coming as -4.5 favorites. UC Irvine has a better overall and ATS record and has been red-hot with a 6-1 record in its last 7 games. On the flip side, Cal State Northridge has lost three of its last five games and both regular season meetings against UC Irvine by one and 14 points. UC Irvine has been dominating this matchup with a 8-1 record in their last 9 head-to-head matches and have the 63rd-best defense in the country, so I expect them to win and cover the short number in this one.

Nikos Lagouretos's Pick: UC Irvine -4.5