UAB vs Cal Irvine Prediction 3/26/25 College Basketball Picks

In this article, we will formulate a UAB vs UC Irvine prediction for this College Basketball game on Wednesday, March 26, at the Bren Events Center in Irvine, CA. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this game in the quarterfinals of the NIT. The winner of this game will meet North Texas in the semifinals.

UAB Blazers Betting Preview

The UAB Blazers (24-12, 19-16 ATS) concluded the regular season with five wins in seven games to secure the No. 3 seed for the American Conference tournament. The Blazers skipped the opening two rounds and joined the tourney in the quarterfinals, where they defeated East Carolina and North Texas in the semis, but Memphis was better in the finals. UAB edged out Saint Joseph’s and Santa Clara in the NIT, even though it was an underdog in both games.

UAB averages 82.3 PPG (18th) and allows 76.1 PPG (298th). The Blazers are 20th in rebounds (39.9) and 44th in assists (16.1). Yaxel Lendeborg leads the team with 17.8 PPG, 11.2 RPG, 4.3 APG, 1.8 SPG, and 1.8 BPG. Christian Coleman follows him with 11.3 PPG and 6.9 RPG, while Ja’Borri McGhee chips in 11.1 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 2.8 APG, and 1.1 SPG.

UC Irvine Anteaters Betting Preview

The UC Irvine Anteaters (30-6, 22-13 ATS) recorded five consecutive wins to close out the regular season and book the No. 2 seed for the Big West tournament. After skipping the opening two rounds, the Anteaters were victorious against Cal Poly in the semifinals but couldn’t do much against UC San Diego in the finals. UC Irvine beat Northern Colorado and Jacksonville State to reach the quarterfinals in the NIT.

UC Irvine is averaging 75.8 PPG (130th) and is allowing 66.2 PPG (35th). The Anteaters are getting 38.0 RPG (60th) and dish out 15.7 APG (64th). Bent Leuchten is the team’s top performer with 15.3 PPG, 9.0 RPG, and 1.3 BPG. Devin Tillis has 13.2 PPG, 7.6 RPG, and 2.5 APG, while Justin Hohn contributes 12.3 PPG, 3.0 RPG, a team-high 3.7 APG, and a team-high 1.4 SPG. 

Why UC Irvine will beat UAB

• UC Irvine has won 26 of its last 28 games at Bren Events Center.
• UC Irvine has won the first half in four of its last five games at Bren Events Center against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Total Points Facts

• Seventeen of UC Irvine’s last 18 games at Bren Events Center have produced a total of 156 or fewer points.
• Three of UAB’s last four games have produced a total of 156 or fewer points.

Matchup/League Facts

• UC Irvine ranks 7th among Division 1 teams for opponent free throws made per game this season (9.8).
• UC Irvine ranks 9th among Division 1 teams for opponent field goal percentage this season (39.1%).
• UAB ranks 9th among Division 1 teams for turnover percentage this season (11.8%).
• UAB ranks 13th among Division 1 teams for assist-to-turnover ratio this season (1.63).

UAB vs UC Irvine Prediction

It’s going to be the first-ever meeting between these teams. I like UAB’s prolific offense, but in this one, the defense will come out on top. UC Irvine has a rock-solid defense, especially at home, where the Anteaters are 12-2 this season. UC Irvine won eight of the previous ten games and is 22-13 ATS this season, so I am backing the hosts to win and cover. UC Irvine has covered the Spread in 22 of its last 35 games

Oliver Zivic's Pick: UC Irvine -4.5