UAB Blazers vs UC Irvine Anteaters Pick – 3/26/2025

The UAB Blazers and the UC Irvine Anteaters are set to face off in the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) quarterfinals on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at 9:00 PM Eastern Time. The game will take place at the Bren Events Center in Irvine, California, and will be broadcast on ESPN2. Both teams have demonstrated strong performances throughout the season, setting the stage for an exciting contest.

UAB Blazers vs. UC Irvine Anteaters Game Preview

The UAB Blazers enter this matchup with a 24-12 record, having secured victories in four of their last five games. Their recent 88-84 road win against the Santa Clara Broncos showcased their offensive capabilities, despite being outrebounded 45-34. The Blazers average 82.5 points per game, shooting 46.1% from the field and 33.9% from beyond the arc. Forward Yaxel Lendeborg leads the team with 17.8 points and 1.8 blocks per game. Defensively, UAB allows 76.5 points per game, with opponents shooting 45.2% from the field and 35.2% from three-point range.

On the other side, the UC Irvine Anteaters boast an impressive 30-6 record, winning four of their previous five games. They recently secured a 66-61 home victory against the Jacksonville State Gamecocks, with senior guard Justin Hohn contributing 22 points. The Anteaters average 75.9 points per game, shooting 45.5% overall and 35.2% from distance. Center Bent Leuchten is a key player, averaging 45.3 points, 9.0 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.3 blocks, and 0.5 steals per game. Defensively, UC Irvine allows 66.6 points per game, with opponents shooting 39.7% from the field and 34.2% from beyond the arc.

Betting Insights

As of the latest reports, UC Irvine is favored by 4.5 points, with an over/under set at 160.5 points. The Anteaters have a strong home record of 12-2 this season, which could influence betting decisions. Public betting data indicates that 51% of bettors are currently backing UC Irvine against the spread.

Key betting trends to consider:

• UC Irvine is 4-1 in their last five games.
• UC Irvine is 3-2 against the spread in their last five games.
• UC Irvine is 13-6 against the spread in road games.
• The total has gone over in three of UC Irvine's last five games.
• The total has gone over in seven of UC Irvine's last 14 home games.

UAB Blazers vs. UC Irvine Anteaters Prediction

Considering UC Irvine's strong home performance and balanced play on both offense and defense, they hold an advantage in this matchup. However, UAB's recent success on the road in the NIT suggests a competitive game. The Blazers' high-scoring offense, averaging 82.5 points per game, will challenge the Anteaters' defense, which allows 66.6 points per game.

Given these factors, the prediction leans towards UC Irvine covering the 4.5-point spread. Additionally, considering both teams' recent scoring trends, the total points are likely to go over 160.5. Bettors should monitor any line movements and team news leading up to the game to make informed decisions.

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