UC Irvine Anteaters vs California-San Diego Tritons Pick – 3/15/2025

The UC Irvine Anteaters and the UC San Diego Tritons are set to face off in the Big West Conference Championship on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 9:30 pm. This highly anticipated game will take place at Lee's Family Forum and will be broadcast on ESPN2. Both teams have demonstrated exceptional performance throughout the season, making this championship clash a must-watch for college basketball enthusiasts and bettors alike.

UC Irvine Anteaters vs. UC San Diego Tritons Game Preview

The UC San Diego Tritons enter the championship with an impressive 29-4 record, having secured the top spot in the Big West Conference. They are riding a 14-game winning streak, with their most recent victory being a commanding 69-51 win over UC Santa Barbara in the conference semifinals. The Tritons have been formidable on both ends of the court, averaging 79.9 points per game (40th nationally) and allowing just 61.6 points per game (8th nationally). Their offensive efficiency is highlighted by a 46.5% field goal percentage and a 36.5% success rate from beyond the arc. Senior guard Aniwaniwa Tait-Jones has been a standout performer, leading the team with 20 points, 8 rebounds, and 9 assists per game.

On the other hand, the UC Irvine Anteaters boast a 28-5 record, finishing second in the Big West. They are coming off a dominant 96-78 victory over Cal Poly in the semifinals. The Anteaters have been consistent offensively, averaging 76.3 points per game, and defensively, they allow 65.9 points per game. They excel at the free-throw line, shooting 80.2%, which ranks 6th nationally. Center Bent Leuchten has been a key contributor, averaging 21 points and 10 rebounds per game, while forward Devin Tillis adds 17 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists per game.

Betting Insights

As of the latest reports, the UC San Diego Tritons are favored by 5.5 points, with an over/under set at 133.5 points. Bettors should consider the following factors:

• UC San Diego's Recent Performance: The Tritons have won each of their last 14 games and have covered the spread in 23 of their 30 games this season.
• UC Irvine's Resilience: The Anteaters have won 21 of their last 22 Saturday night games against Big West Conference opponents.
• Head-to-Head Matchups: The teams split their regular-season meetings, with each team winning on the road. UC San Diego secured an 85-67 victory, while UC Irvine won 60-52.

UC Irvine Anteaters vs. UC San Diego Tritons Prediction

Given the closely matched nature of these teams, this championship game is expected to be highly competitive. UC San Diego's strong defensive record and current winning streak make them formidable opponents. However, UC Irvine's exceptional free-throw shooting and recent offensive surge cannot be overlooked.

Considering the 5.5-point spread favoring UC San Diego, bettors might find value in backing UC Irvine to cover the spread. The Anteaters' recent form and ability to perform under pressure suggest they can keep the game close, if not secure an outright victory. Therefore, the recommendation is to take UC Irvine with the points in this championship showdown.

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