UC Irvine vs North Texas Prediction 4/1/25 College Basketball Picks Today

In this article, we will formulate a UC Irvine vs North Texas Prediction for this NIT college basketball game on Tuesday, April 1st, at Hinkle Fieldhouse. Let’s take a look at a UC Irvine Anteaters vs North Texas Mean Green pick.

UC Irvine Just Keeps Cruising 

UC Irvine just keeps cruising and they have won the first three games of the NIT Tournament. In two games against Jacksonville State, UC Irvine secured a 66-61 victory, and in the last game against UAB, they picked up an 81-77 win. It took overtime in the last game, but they made the plays late to pick up the win. UC Irvine shot 41.4 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from behind the three-point line. Devin Tillis was the top player putting up 22 points, 11 rebounds, and three assists. 

UC Irvine is averaging 75.9 points while their defense is giving up 66.5 points per game. This is a strong offensive team, but don’t overlook the defense. In this game, the defense is going to need to put on a show. Bent Leuchten has been the top player, averaging 15.4 points while shooting 54.8 percent from the field and 43.8 percent from behind the three-point line. 

Why UC Irvine will beat North Texas

• UC Irvine has won each of its last 12 night games after coming off overtime.

North Texas Defense Keeps Stepping Up

The North Texas defense has been strong all season, and the last couple of games it’s been the star of the show. Two games ago, North Texas picked up the 75-71 victory, and in the last game against Oklahoma State, they were able to pick up the 61-59 victory. The games have been intense, but they have been able to make the stops late to win. North Texas shot 37.7 percent from the field and 38.9 percent from behind the three-point line. Atin Wright had a strong game putting up 15 points. 

North Texas has a 27-8 overall record, and they believe they can win this entire thing. The Mean Green are averaging 68 points, while their defense is giving up 59.9 points per game. Guard Atin Wright is averaging 14.9 points while shooting 40.2 percent from the field and 40.1 percent from behind the three-point line. 

Why North Texas WIll Beat UC Irvine

• North Texas has won each of its last nine night games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• UC Irvine has lost the first half in five of its last six National Invitation Tournament games.

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%).
• North Texas ranks 3rd among Division 1 teams for opponent points per game this season (59.5).
• North Texas ranks 3rd among Division 1 teams for opponent assists per game this season (9.4).

UC Irvine vs North Texas Prediction

This total is too high. North Texas is an elite defense giving up 59.9 points per agme and they are going  to step up in a major way here. UC Irvine is giving up 66.5 points per game and their defense is also going to step up in a big way also. UC Irvine is fine playing at a fast, or a slower pace, and they will be just fine making this into a defensive battle. Neither team is going to end up over the 60 point mark here. And this game will stay under. This is one of my favorite plays on the board.