North Texas Mean Green vs UC Irvine Anteaters Prediction – 4/1/2025

The North Texas Mean Green and the UC Irvine Anteaters are set to face off in the NIT Semifinals on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at 7:00 PM at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. This game promises to be a compelling contest between two teams that have demonstrated resilience and skill throughout the season.

North Texas Mean Green vs UC Irvine Anteaters Game Preview

North Texas enters the game with a 27-8 record, having secured a narrow 61-59 victory over Oklahoma State in their most recent outing. The Mean Green's defense was pivotal, limiting Oklahoma State to a 41.8% shooting percentage. Offensively, Atin Wright led the team with 15 points, while Johnathan Massie contributed 11 points. Throughout the season, North Texas has averaged 68.0 points per game, shooting 45.1% from the field and 36.1% from three-point range. Their defense has been formidable, allowing only 59.9 points per game, ranking them third nationally in this category.

UC Irvine boasts a 31-6 record and is coming off an 81-77 overtime win against UAB. In that game, Devin Tillis delivered a standout performance with 22 points and 11 rebounds, and Bent Leuchten added 18 points and 10 rebounds. The Anteaters have been effective offensively, averaging 75.9 points per game with a 45.3% field goal percentage and a 35.3% success rate from beyond the arc. Defensively, they have held opponents to 66.5 points per game, with a notable opponent field goal percentage of 39.6%, placing them 12th nationally in this metric.

Betting Insights

As of the latest reports, North Texas is favored by 2 points, with the over/under set at 128. Bettors should consider the following factors:

• 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.
• Seven of UC Irvine's last eight games against non-AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 130 or more points.
• Each of North Texas' last five games against non-conference opponents at neutral venues have produced a total of 126 or fewer points.

North Texas Mean Green vs UC Irvine Anteaters Prediction

This matchup features North Texas' stringent defense against UC Irvine's dynamic offense. North Texas has consistently held opponents to under 66 points in their recent games, showcasing their defensive prowess. UC Irvine, while offensively potent, has faced challenges against top-tier defenses. Given North Texas' ability to control the game's tempo and their defensive consistency, they are well-positioned to limit UC Irvine's scoring opportunities. Therefore, the prediction leans towards North Texas securing a victory in this closely contested semifinal.