Jacksonville State Gamecocks vs UC Irvine Anteaters Pick – 3/23/2025

The National Invitation Tournament (NIT) continues with an intriguing second-round game between the Jacksonville State Gamecocks and the UC Irvine Anteaters on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time. This game will take place at the Bren Events Center in Irvine, California, and will be broadcast on ESPN+.

Jacksonville State Gamecocks vs. UC Irvine Anteaters Game Preview

The UC Irvine Anteaters enter this game with an impressive 29-6 record, including an 18-4 mark in Big West Conference play. They have been particularly strong at home, boasting a 12-2 record at the Bren Events Center. The Anteaters are averaging 76.1 points per game while shooting 45.6% from the field. Defensively, they allow 66.2 points per game, demonstrating a balanced approach on both ends of the court.

Leading the charge for UC Irvine is center Bent Leuchten, who averages 15.5 points and 9.1 rebounds per game. His presence in the paint has been a significant factor in the Anteaters' success this season. Additionally, forward Devin Tillis has been a key contributor, averaging 12.9 points over the last ten games.

On the other side, the Jacksonville State Gamecocks come into this matchup with a 23-12 record, including a 14-7 record in Conference USA. They have been solid on the road, posting a 7-7 record away from home. The Gamecocks average 73.9 points per game and allow 68.6 points per game, indicating a slightly more offensive-oriented approach.

Guard Jaron Pierre Jr. has been the standout performer for Jacksonville State, averaging 21.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game. His scoring ability and playmaking skills make him a constant threat on the court. Forward Mason Nicholson also contributes significantly, averaging 7.5 rebounds per game, providing the Gamecocks with a strong presence on the boards.

Betting Insights

As of now, specific betting odds for this game have not been released. However, considering the teams' performances and statistics, several factors could influence betting decisions:

• Home Court Advantage: UC Irvine's strong home record (12-2) suggests they perform well in familiar surroundings.
• Offensive Efficiency: Both teams have comparable scoring averages, with UC Irvine at 76.1 points per game and Jacksonville State at 73.9 points per game.
• Defensive Prowess: UC Irvine allows fewer points per game (66.2) compared to Jacksonville State (68.6), indicating a slight defensive edge.
• Key Players: The performances of Bent Leuchten for UC Irvine and Jaron Pierre Jr. for Jacksonville State will be crucial in determining the game's outcome.

Jacksonville State Gamecocks vs. UC Irvine Anteaters Prediction

This NIT second-round game presents a compelling matchup between two well-matched teams. UC Irvine's strong home performance and balanced play on both offense and defense provide them with a slight advantage. However, Jacksonville State's resilience and the scoring prowess of Jaron Pierre Jr. cannot be overlooked.

Given UC Irvine's home court advantage and slightly better defensive statistics, they are favored to win this game. However, the Gamecocks have the potential to keep the game close, making it a competitive and exciting contest.

Please note that betting lines and odds are subject to change. It's recommended to consult official sources or sportsbooks for the most current information before making any betting decisions.

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