Cal Poly Mustangs vs UC Irvine Anteaters Prediction – 3/14/2025

The Big West Men's Basketball Tournament is set to feature an exciting quarterfinal matchup between the Cal Poly Mustangs and the UC Irvine Anteaters on Friday, March 14, 2025. This game offers intriguing narratives for basketball enthusiasts and bettors alike, as both teams aim to advance in the tournament.

Cal Poly Mustangs vs. UC Irvine Anteaters Game Preview

Cal Poly enters this contest with a season record of 15-18, including a 9-12 mark in Big West play. The Mustangs have shown resilience throughout the season, notably rebounding from a winless previous season. They are coming off a significant 96-83 victory over UC Riverside in the tournament's opening round, showcasing their offensive capabilities. Cal Poly leads the Big West in fast break points, averaging 15.1 per game, which could be a crucial factor in this matchup.

On the other hand, UC Irvine boasts an impressive 27-5 overall record, with a dominant 17-3 conference record. The Anteaters have been a force in the Big West, known for their strong defensive play. They closed the regular season with a 97-88 road win over UC Santa Barbara, underlining their offensive prowess. UC Irvine has had the upper hand in recent meetings against Cal Poly, winning 16 of the last 17 encounters, including a commanding 101-71 victory on January 18, 2025.

Betting Insights

• Point Spread: UC Irvine favored by 10.5 points.
• Over/Under: Total set at 155.5 points.

UC Irvine has been reliable against the spread (ATS) this season, covering in 20 of their 31 games. They have also been strong on the road, with a 13-5 ATS record. Cal Poly, meanwhile, has covered the spread in 17 of their 32 games, with a 10-9 ATS record on the road. The total has gone over in 20 of Cal Poly's 32 games and in 13 of UC Irvine's 31 games, indicating a potential for a high-scoring affair.

Cal Poly Mustangs vs. UC Irvine Anteaters Prediction

Considering the teams' recent performances and historical matchups, UC Irvine enters this game as the clear favorite. Their robust defense, combined with a potent offense, presents a formidable challenge for Cal Poly. The Anteaters' dominance in recent head-to-head meetings further strengthens their position.

However, Cal Poly's recent offensive surge, particularly their fast break efficiency, cannot be overlooked. If the Mustangs can maintain their offensive momentum and capitalize on transition opportunities, they could keep the game competitive.

Given the spread and the over/under line, bettors might consider the following:

• Point Spread: While UC Irvine is favored by 10.5 points, Cal Poly's recent form suggests they could cover the spread. Betting on Cal Poly to cover might be a prudent choice.
• Over/Under: Both teams have been involved in high-scoring games recently, and their offensive stats indicate a potential for a high total. Taking the over on 155.5 points could be a favorable option.

In conclusion, while UC Irvine is expected to win, Cal Poly has the tools to make it a closer contest than the spread suggests. Bettors should weigh the Mustangs' recent performances and the high over/under line when making their decisions.

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