Jacksonville State vs Cal Irvine Prediction 3/23/25 College Basketball Picks

The Jacksonville State Gamecocks are facing the UC-Irvine Anteaters on Sunday, March 23rd at the Bren Events Center, in this NIT Tournament second round matchup. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s a Jacksonville State Gamecocks vs UC-Irvine Anteaters Prediction. We will examine:

The UC-Irvine Anteaters recent form and player performance

The Jacksonville State Gamecocks recent form and player performance

Recent betting trends and streaks involving the UC-Irvine Anteaters

Recent betting trends and streaks involving the Jacksonville State Gamecocks

Recent betting trends in games played between the Jacksonville State Gamecocks vs UC-Irvine Anteaters

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

UC-Irvine Anteaters Preview

The UC Irvine Anteaters have a 29-6 record this season and were placed 2nd in the Big West. UC Irvine is coming off an 82-72 win over Northern Colorado in the first round of the NIT Tournament. The Anteaters are 22-12 against the spread, and 14-19-1 in over/under, while having a 11-2 home record.

Offensively, UC-Irvine is averaging 76.1 points per game, which ranks 124th in the nation. Defensively, they allow 66.4 points per game (36th). The Anteaters shoot with 45.6% from the field (138th), and with 35.4% from beyond the arc (109th). The Anteaters shoot with 80.5% from the free-throw line, which is the third-best in the nation, and are grabbing 34.7 rebounds per game (43rd).

Bent Leuchten leads UC-Irvine in scoring with an average of 15.4 points and a team-high 9 rebounds, while Devin Tillis adds 13.2 points and 7.6 rebounds per game.

Jacksonville State Gamecocks Preview

The Jacksonville State Gamecocks have a 23-12 record this season and were placed 2nd in the USA. The Gamecocks are coming off an 81-64 win over Georgia Tech. The Gamecocks 20-11-1 against the spread, and 13-15-4 in over/under, while having an 8-7 road record.

Offensively, Jacksonville State is averaging 74.1 points per game, which ranks 156th in the nation. Defensively, they allow 68.5 points per game (76th). The Gamecocks shoot with 44.8% from the field (179th), and with 35.4% from beyond the arc (128th). The Gamecocks shoot with 75.6% from the free-throw line (31st), and are grabbing 34.8 rebounds per game (36th).

Jaron Pierre leads Jacksonville State in scoring this season, with an average of 21.8 points, 5.3 rebounds and a team-high 3.7 assists, while Jamar Franklin adds 10.4 points per game. 

Why the UC Irvine Anteaters will win

• UC Irvine has won each of its last nine night games against non-Conference opponents.
• Jacksonville State has lost 20 of its last 26 night games against non-Conference opponents.
• UC Irvine has won the first half in four of its last five games against the Conference USA.

Why the Jacksonville State Gamecocks will win

• Jacksonville State has won three of its last four games.
• UC Irvine has lost the first half in each of its last five games against non-Conference opponents.

Total Points Facts

• Each of Jacksonville State’s last five night games against non-Conference opponents have produced a total of 139+ points.
• Each of UC Irvine’s last four games against non-Conference opponents at Bren Events Center have produced a total of 142+ points.

Matchup/League Facts

• UC Irvine ranks 6th among Division 1 teams for free throw percentage this season (80.2%).
• UC Irvine ranks T6th among Division 1 teams for opponent free throw attempts per game this season (13.5).
• Jacksonville State ranks 360th among Division 1 teams for opponent turnovers per game this season (8.7).
• Jacksonville State ranks 29th among Division 1 teams for rebounds per game this season (38.7).

Jacksonville State Gamecocks vs UC-Irvine Anteaters Prediction

In this Jacksonville State Gamecocks vs UC-Irvine Anteaters Prediction, UC-Irvine is coming as -7.5-point favorites. UC-Irvine is rightfully favored, as they have a better record this season, and are very good at home, while Jacksonville State is below average on the road. Both teams are coming in good form, as UC Irvine is 7-1 in their last 8 games and 4-1 against the spread in their last 5. UC-Irvine has trouble covering spreads at home, as they are 1-5 against the spread in their last 6 home games.

Jacksonville State is 3-1 in their last 4 games, and have been great covering on the road, as they are 6-1 against the spread in their last 7 road games. Given both teams’ recent form, the value here lies with the road dog, as I expect them to keep this large spread close. Take the Jacksonville State Gamecocks and the +7.5 points on the road in this one.

Nikos Lagouretos's Pick: Jacksonville State Gamecocks +7.5