The UC Irvine Anteaters were a win away from an NCAA Tournament berth. Unable to complete the transaction, their next task is to do some damage at the NIT, where they will face the Northern Colorado Bears in Round 1 play Wednesday night.
The Anteaters are solid 7.5-point favorites in the college basketball odds when this one tips off at 10:00 p.m. ET from Bren Events Center in Irvine, CA.
My UC Irvine vs. Northern Colorado predictions and college basketball picks believe the Bears, who led the Big Sky in scoring, can outlast one of the best defensive teams in the Big West Conference.
Who will win Northern Colorado vs UC Irvine?
Strictly straight up, it’s hard to go against the Anteaters. They rank 67th overall at KenPom, with a defense that ranks inside the Top 20 in defensive efficiency.
They picked the most inopportune time for their defense to let them down, as the UC San Diego Tritons dumped them 75-61 in the Big West Conference Tournament Final.
With their NCAA Tournament dashed, the Anteaters will get a test from Northern Colorado, who brings the best offense from the Sky Conference. It’s a challenge the Anteaters defense should meet with enough success to move on.
Northern Colorado vs UC Irvine prediction
My best bet: Northern Colorado +7.5 (-105 at bet365)
The Northern Colorado Bears offense averages 80.9 points per game while leading their conference in both field goal shooting (51.1%) and 3-point shooting (37.6%). Those should be Big Dance numbers, but instead they’re a tough out at the NIT.
The Bears were dropped 91-83 in the Big Sky Championship Final by Montana, with their defense letting them down. UNCO let Montana blister them, as the Bears allowed 65.2% shooting from the field and a crisp 63.6% from the 3-point arc.
That doesn’t mean they can’t be potent Wednesday night.
Like Northern Colorado, the UC Irvine Anteaters lost at the NCAA Tournament altar when UC San Diego dropped them 75-61, snapping their six-game winning streak.
For an offense that ranks fourth in scoring at 75.9 points per game in the Big West, the Anteaters couldn’t find the mark against UCSD, shooting 35.1% from the field. That includes a rough 8-for-29 mark from 3-point range.
This was a team that had tallied at least 88 points in the three previous outings, while holding opponents to 64 points or below in five of the last seven overall.
Northern Colorado may face some struggles against a strong Anteaters’ defense, but they should be able to lean on their very good offense to keep them in range. The recent numbers back it up, as the Bears have gone 7-3 ATS over the last 10. Add that to the healthy number of points provided by the books, and the underdog is the most appealing bet here.
Northern Colorado vs UC Irvine same-game parlay (SGP)
Northern Colorado +7.5
Northern Colorado team total Over 72.5 points
If UNCO goes out, it won't be without a fight. Northern Colorado has scored 73 points or more in seven of their last 10 games.
Despite their strong defense, UC Irvine has allowed its last three opponents to score at least 75 points per game.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Northern Colorado vs UC Irvine odds
Northern Colorado vs UC Irvine live odds
Northern Colorado vs UC Irvine opening odds
- Spread: Northern Colorado +8 | UC Irvine -8
- Moneyline: Northern Colorado +256 | UC Irvine -312
- Over/Under: Over 148.5 | Under 148.5
Odds courtesy of bet365
Northern Colorado vs UC Irvine betting trend to know
The Anteaters has won each of its last eight night games against non-Conference opponents. Find more college basketball betting trends for Northern Colorado vs. UC Irvine.
How to watch Northern Colorado vs UC Irvine
| Location | Bren Events Center, Irvine, CA |
| Date | Wednesday, 3-19-2025 |
| Tip-off | 10:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN+ |
Northern Colorado vs UC Irvine key injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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