Cal Irvine vs Northern Colorado Prediction 3/19/25 College Basketball Picks Today
Northern Colorado (25-9) vs. Cal Irvine (28-6)
March 19, 2025 10:00 pm EDT
The Line: Cal Irvine -7.5; Over/Under: 151.5
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The Northern Colorado Bears and UC Irvine Anteaters meet Wednesday in the college basketball NIT First Round at the Bren Events Center. Here’s a Cal Irvine vs Northern Colorado Prediction. This article will include a Cal Irvine vs Northern Colorado Pick.
Northern Colorado Bears Betting Preview
The Northern Colorado Bears recently played Northern Arizona, Weber State, Montana State, and Montana. Northern Colorado looks to avoid two straight losses for the first time since December. Northern Colorado was the team to beat in the Big Sky but was upset in the tournament final.
The Northern Colorado Bears are averaging 80.9 points on 51.1 percent shooting and allowing 72.4 points on 45.3 percent shooting. Isaiah Hawthorne is averaging 17.4 points and 1.2 assists, while Langston Reynolds is averaging 16 points and 5.7 rebounds. Jaron Rillie is the third double-digit scorer and Brock Wisne is grabbing 4.3 rebounds. The Northern Colorado Bears are shooting 37.6 percent from beyond the arc and 72.7 percent from the free throw line. The Northern Colorado Bears are allowing 34.5 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 31.4 rebounds per game.
UC Irvine Anteaters Betting Preview
The UC Irvine Anteaters recently played UC Davis, UC Santa Barbara, Cal Poly, and UC San Diego. UC Irvine hasn’t lost back-to-back games this season.
The UC Irvine Anteaters are averaging 75.9 points on 45.5 percent shooting and allowing 66.2 points on 39.6 percent shooting. Bent Leuchten is averaging 15.4 points and 1.6 assists, while Devin Tillis is averaging 13.2 points and 2.4 assists. Myles Che is the third double-digit scorer and Justin Hohn is grabbing 3.1 rebounds. The UC Irvine Anteaters are shooting 35.2 percent from beyond the arc and 80.6 percent from the free throw line. The UC Irvine Anteaters are allowing 33.9 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 34.9 rebounds 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%).
Cal Irvine vs Northern Colorado Injury Report
Neither UC Irvine nor Northern Colorado have a player listed on its injury report.
Cal Irvine vs Northern Colorado Prediction
This will be an interesting game and motivation will be key. UC Irvine and Northern Colorado had great seasons and chances to make the big dance but lose in its conference finals. UC Irvine is getting the edge at home, where it was 10-2 SU and its 21-12 ATS. However, Northern Colorado has nine road wins, so this won’t be an intimated team.
Also, while UC Irvine is the more balanced team, Northern Colorado is a top-40 scoring offense and has the best field goal percentage in the country. Northern Colorado has scored 76 or more points in six of its last nine games. If Northern Colorado can make shots and control the pace, this game will come down to the wire. I’ll take a shot with Northern Colorado and the points.
