Northern Colorado vs Cal Irvine Prediction 3/19/25 College Basketball Picks

The Northern Colorado Bears are visiting the UC-Irvine Anteaters on Wednesday, March 19th at the Bren Events Center, in this National Invitation Tournament matchup. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s a Northern Colorado Bears vs UC-Irvine Anteaters Prediction. We will examine:

The UC-Irvine Anteaters recent form and player performance

The Northern Colorado Bears recent form and player performance

Recent betting trends and streaks involving the UC-Irvine Anteaters

Recent betting trends and streaks involving the Northern Colorado Bears

Recent betting trends in games played between the Northern Colorado Bears vs UC-Irvine Anteaters

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

UC-Irvine Anteaters Preview

The UC Irvine Anteaters have a 28-6 record this season and were placed 2nd in the Big West. UC Irvine is coming off a 61-75 loss by UC San Diego in the Big West Final. The Anteaters are 21-12 against the spread, and 14-18-1 in over/under, while having a 10-2 home record.

Offensively, UC-Irvine is averaging 75.9 points per game, which ranks 126th in the nation. Defensively, they allow 66.2 points per game (29th). The Anteaters shoot with 45.5% from the field (141st), and with 35.2% from beyond the arc (127th). The Anteaters shoot with 80.6% from the free-throw line, which is the 6th-best in the nation, and are grabbing 34.9 rebounds per game (37th).

Justin Hohn leads UC-Irvine in scoring with an average of 16.5 points and 3.5 rebounds, while Bent Leuchten adds 15.5 points and a team-high 8.5 rebounds per game.

Northern Colorado Bears Preview

The Northern Colorado Bears have a 25-9 record this season and were placed first in the Big Sky. The Bears are coming off an 83-91 loss by Montana. The Bears are 16-14-1 against the spread, and 19-12 in over/under, while having a 9-6 road record.

Offensively, Northern Colorado is averaging 80.6 points per game, which ranks 34th in the nation. Defensively, they allow 72.4 points per game (203rd). The Bears shoot with 51.1% from the field, which is the best in the nation, and with 37.46% from beyond the arc (28th). The Bears shoot with 72.7% from the free throw line (171st), and are grabbing 31.4 rebounds per game (196th).

Isiah Hawthorne leads Northern Colorado in scoring this season, with an average of 17.3 points and 4.7 rebounds, while Jaron Rillie adds 16 points, 5.7 rebounds and a team-high 4.7 assists per game. 

Why the UC Irvine Anteaters will win

• UC Irvine has won each of its last eight night games against non-Conference opponents.
• Northern Colorado has lost three of its last four night games against non-Conference opponents.
• UC Irvine has won the first half in six of its last seven night games at Bren Events Center.

Why the Northern Colorado Bears will win

• Northern Colorado has won eight of its last nine night games.
• Northern Colorado has won the first half in eight of its last nine night games against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Total Points Facts

• Each of Northern Colorado’s last six games against non-Conference opponents have produced a total of 152+ points.
• Each of UC Irvine’s last seven Wednesday night games against non-Conference opponents have produced a total of 148 or fewer 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).
• Northern Colorado ranks 1st among Division 1 teams for field goal percentage this season (50.9%).
• Northern Colorado ranks 2nd among Division 1 teams for effective field goal percentage this season (58.3%).

Northern Colorado Bears vs UC-Irvine Anteaters Prediction

In this Northern Colorado Bears vs UC-Irvine Anteaters Prediction, UC-Irvine is coming as -7.5 home favorites. UC-Irvine is rightfully favored, as they have a better record this season, but Northern Colorado has just three less wins, and have been very good on the road, so the spread feels a bit too high. Both teams have been in good form lately, despite their latest losses. UC Irvine is 8-2 in their last 10 games and 5-2 against the spread in their last 7. Northern Colorado is also 8-2 in their last 10 games and 7-3 against the spread.

This is a matchup between two different styles, as UC Irvine is elite defensively, ranking 29th in the nation, while Northern Colorado is elite offensively, ranking 34th in points scored in the nation and boasting the best field goal percentage. I think that the 7.5-point spread is too high for this matchup, and I expect the guests to keep this one close. Take the Northern Colorado Bears and the +7.5 points in your back pocket.

Nikos Lagouretos's Pick: Northern Colorado Bears +7.5