Chattanooga Mocs vs UC Irvine Anteaters Prediction – 4/3/2025

The Chattanooga Mocs and the UC Irvine Anteaters are set to face off in the NIT Championship game on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at 9:00 PM at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Both teams have demonstrated exceptional performance throughout the tournament, making this final a highly anticipated event for college basketball enthusiasts and bettors alike.

Chattanooga Mocs vs UC Irvine Anteaters Game Preview

The Chattanooga Mocs enter the championship with a 28-9 record, having won 16 of their last 17 games. Their journey to the final included impressive victories over Middle Tennessee, Dayton, Bradley, and Loyola Chicago. In their recent 80-73 win against Loyola Chicago, guard Trey Bonham led the team with 23 points, shooting 62.5% from the field. The Mocs showcased their offensive prowess by shooting 52.5% overall and 42.9% from beyond the arc.

On the other side, the UC Irvine Anteaters boast a 32-6 record, marking one of the most successful seasons in the program's history. Their path to the championship featured wins over Northern Colorado, Jacksonville State, UAB, and a narrow 69-67 victory against North Texas. Forward Devin Tillis was instrumental in the semifinal, recording a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds. The Anteaters' defense was particularly effective, limiting North Texas to a 34.3% shooting percentage.

Betting Insights

For bettors analyzing this matchup, several factors stand out:

• Point Spread: UC Irvine is favored by 3.5 points.
• Over/Under: The total points line is set at 146.5.

Key considerations include:

• Chattanooga's Offensive Efficiency: The Mocs average 79.6 points per game, shooting 48.1% from the field and 36.2% from three-point range.
• UC Irvine's Defensive Strength: The Anteaters allow only 66.5 points per game, with opponents shooting just 39.6% from the field.
• Recent Trends: Chattanooga has covered the spread in seven of their last eight games, while UC Irvine has covered in seven of their last ten.

Chattanooga Mocs vs UC Irvine Anteaters Prediction

This championship game presents a compelling contrast between Chattanooga's high-powered offense and UC Irvine's staunch defense. The Mocs have demonstrated resilience and scoring ability throughout the tournament, consistently outperforming expectations. Conversely, the Anteaters' disciplined defense has been a cornerstone of their success, effectively neutralizing opponents' offensive threats.

Given Chattanooga's recent form and their success in the underdog role, they have the potential to not only cover the spread but also secure an outright victory. Bettors might consider taking Chattanooga with the points, and the over on the total points line, anticipating a closely contested and high-scoring game.

As always, it's essential to consider all factors and conduct thorough research before placing any bets. Enjoy the game and bet responsibly.

For more on today's game check out the comprehensive statistics, betting odds, and trends below. Be sure to check out all our free NCAABB picks here.