UIC vs California Prediction 3/18/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

In this article we will formulate a UIC vs California prediction for this College Basketball game on Wednesday, March 18th at Haas Pavilion in Berkeley, California. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NIT matchup.

UIC Flames Betting Preview

The UIC Flames are 19-15 (12-8) this season after they lost to Northern Iowa by a score of 84-69 in their last game. UIC trailed 48-41 at halftime and they only scored 28 points in the second half in the lopsided loss. The Flames shot 44% from the field, 35% on three pointers, and 100% on free throws in the game. Elijah Crawford led UIC with 28 points and five assists, while Ahmad Henderson II added 13 points and one rebound in the loss. 

Prior to that game, UIC defeated Drake by a score of 72-51 and Murray State by a score of 92-79. The Flames have scored 75.5 points per game with 36.4 rebounds and 14.5 assists per game, while they have allowed 70.0 points against per game this season. Elijah Crawford is averaging 14.1 points and 4.6 assists per game, while Ahmad Henderson II is averaging 12.1 points and 2.2 assists per game for the Flames. UIC is shooting 45.5% from the field, 73.0% on free throws, and 32.3% on three pointers this season. 

California Golden Bears Betting Preview

The California Golden Bears are 21-11 (9-9) this year after they lost to Florida State by a score of 95-89 in their last game. California trailed 46-32 at halftime, but they scored 57 points in the second half in the loss. The Golden Bears shot 51% from the field, 41% on three pointers, and 67% on free throws in the game. Dai Dai Ames led California with 27 points and four rebounds, while Chris Bell added 17 points and three rebounds in the loss. 

Prior to that game, California lost to Wake Forest by a score of 80-73, but did beat GT by a score of 76-65 before that. California has scored 77.9 points per game with 34.8 rebounds and 13.7 assists per game, while they have allowed 73.3 points against per game this season. Dai Dai Ames is averaging 17.2 points and 2.2 assists per game, while Justin Pippen is averaging 14.3 points and 4.5 assists per game for the Golden Bears. Cal is shooting 44.3% from the field, 77.9% on free throws, and 36.1% on three pointers this season.

Why the California Golden Bears will win

• California has won 18 of its last 19 games against non-Conference opponents at Haas Pavilion.
• UIC has lost five of its last six games against non-Conference opponents.
• UIC has lost the first half in three of its last four games against non-Conference opponents.

Why the UIC Flames will win

• California has lost three of its last four games against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Matchup/League Facts

• California ranks 23rd among Division 1 teams for opponent steals per game this season (5.2).
• California ranks 36th among Division 1 teams for opponent three-point percentage this season (30.7%).

UIC vs California Prediction 

California comes into this matchup after losing three of their last four games, but it was still a very good season for the Golden Bears. Cal is shooting 44% from the field, but they have allowed 80+ in back to back games. UIC has split their last four games, but they have allowed 79+ in four of their last five. The Flames are shooting 45% from the field, but I think this is a tough spot against what should be a motivated Cal team. Take the Golden Bears at home.

David Racey's Pick: California -4.5