UAB Blazers vs Santa Clara Broncos Prediction – 3/23/2025

The UAB Blazers are set to face the Santa Clara Broncos on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at 9:00 PM Eastern Time at the Leavey Center in Santa Clara, California. This matchup in the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) second round features two teams with impressive seasons, both aiming to advance further in postseason play.

UAB Blazers vs. Santa Clara Broncos Game Preview

The UAB Blazers enter this contest with a 23-12 record, showcasing a potent offense that averages 82.14 points per game, ranking them 20th nationally. Their field goal percentage stands at 45.96%, and they excel in offensive rebounding, averaging 14.69 per game, which places them second in the nation. However, their defense allows 75.91 points per game, ranking 293rd, indicating potential vulnerabilities on that end of the court.

Leading the Blazers is forward Yaxel Lendeborg, who has been a standout performer throughout the season. In their recent victory over Saint Joseph's, Lendeborg delivered an impressive performance with 19 points, 17 rebounds, and 4 assists. His season averages of 17.7 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game underscore his critical role in UAB's success.

On the other side, the Santa Clara Broncos hold a 21-12 record and are known for their balanced play. They average 81.9 points per game while allowing 72.5 points, demonstrating a solid offensive and defensive balance. Guard Adama-Alpha Bal leads the team with 12.9 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game. However, Bal is listed as questionable for this matchup due to a calf injury, which could impact the Broncos' offensive dynamics.

Betting Insights

For bettors analyzing this game, several factors come into play:

• Point Spread: Santa Clara is favored by 7.5 points. The Broncos have covered the spread in 8 of their last 10 games, indicating a strong performance against the spread in recent matchups.
• Moneyline: Santa Clara's moneyline is set at -300, suggesting a higher probability of winning, while UAB's moneyline is +250, offering a higher return for a Blazers' victory.
• Over/Under: The total points line is set at 165.5. UAB's recent games have trended towards the under, with the total going under in 4 of their last 5 games. Conversely, Santa Clara has hit the team total over in 16 of their last 23 games, indicating a tendency towards higher-scoring games.

These trends provide valuable insights for bettors considering various wagering options.

UAB Blazers vs. Santa Clara Broncos Prediction

Considering the current form and statistical profiles of both teams, this game promises to be a closely contested battle. UAB's offensive prowess, led by Lendeborg, will challenge Santa Clara's defense. However, the potential absence of Santa Clara's leading scorer, Adama-Alpha Bal, due to injury, could tilt the scales in UAB's favor.

Given these factors, the prediction leans towards a narrow victory for the UAB Blazers. Their offensive capabilities, combined with the possible impact of Bal's injury on the Broncos, suggest that UAB could cover the spread and potentially secure an outright win. Bettors might consider taking UAB with the points, and the under on the total points line, aligning with recent trends and team dynamics.

As always, it's essential to monitor any last-minute updates regarding player availability and team news before placing bets, as these can significantly influence game outcomes and betting strategies.