UC Irvine vs Chattanooga Prediction 4/3/25 College Basketball Picks Today

In this article we will formulate a UC Irvine vs Chattanooga prediction for this College Basketball game on Thursday, April 3rd at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. Let’s take a look at the prediction for the NIT Championship game. 

UC Irvine Anteaters Betting Preview

The UC Irvine Anteaters are 32-6 (17-3) this year after they defeated North Texas by a score of 69-67 in their last game. UC Irvine trailed by 15 points in the first half, but they were able to close the first half strong and ended up pulling away in the closing minutes for the win. The Anteaters shot 49% from the field, 50% on three pointers, and 70.6% on free throws in the game. Devin Tillis led UC Irvine with 16 points and 11 rebounds, while Bent Leuchten added 14 points and nine rebounds in the game. 

Prior to that close win, the Anteaters defeated UAB by a score of 81-77 and Jacksonville State by a score of 66-61. UC Irvine has won 10 of their last 11 games and they finished second in the Big West standings with a 17-3 record. UC Irvine has scored 75.7 points per game and they have allowed 66.5 points against per game, while also averaging 38.2 rebounds and 15.8 assists per game this season. Bent Leuchten is averaging 15.4 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game, while Devin Tillis is averaging 13.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game this year. UC Irvine is shooting 45.5% from the field, 80.6% on free throws, and 35.2% on three pointers this season. 

Chattanooga Mocs Betting Preview

The Chattanooga Mocs are 28-9 (15-3) this season after they defeated Loyola by a score of 80-73 in their last game. Chattanooga trailed 38-34 at halftime, but they scored 46 points in the second half for the win. The Mocs shot 52.5% from the field, 42.9% on three pointers, and 70% on free throws in the game. Trey Bonham led Chattanooga with 23 points and three rebounds, while Bash Wieland added 12 points and three assists in the game. 

Prior to that win, the Mocs defeated Bradley by a score of 67-65 and Dayton by a score of 87-72. Chattanooga has won 16 of their last 17 games and they finished first in the SoCon standings with a 15-3 record. Chattanooga has scored 79.6 points per game and they have allowed 72.6 points against per game, while also averaging 17.1 assists and 33.1 rebounds per game this season. Honor Huff is averaging 15.2 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game, while Trey Bonham is averaging 14.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game this season. Chattanooga is shooting 48% from the field, 76.7% on free throws, and 36.4% on three pointers this year. 

Why Chattanooga will beat UC Irvine

• Chattanooga has won each of its last nine night games.
• UC Irvine has lost the first half in six of its last eight games against non-Conference opponents.

Total Points Facts

• Seven of Chattanooga’s last eight games against non-Conference opponents at neutral venues have produced a total of 140 or fewer points.
• Each of UC Irvine’s last four games against non-Conference opponents at neutral venues have produced a total of 136 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).
• Chattanooga ranks 11th among Division 1 teams for assist to turnover ratio this season (1.64).
• Chattanooga ranks 18th among Division 1 teams for true shooting percentage this season (60.0%).

UC Irvine vs Chattanooga Prediction 

Both of these teams come into this matchup after completing a comeback in their last game and will be looking to hang a NIT Championship banner with a win here. UC Irvine is the much better defensive team in this contest, while Chattanooga is shooting over 48% from the field and is the better offensive team. We have seen the Mocs overcome slow starts against Loyola and Bradley, and I think they are the better option in this game. I know the Chattanooga defensive numbers aren’t great this season, but they have been fine during this tournament and I really like how their offense is looking. This should be a great game to watch, but I am taking the points with the Mocs.