UC Riverside Highlanders vs Santa Clara Broncos Prediction – 3/18/2025

The UC Riverside Highlanders are set to face the Santa Clara Broncos in the first round of the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at 11:00 p.m. Eastern Time. This matchup at the Leavey Center in Santa Clara, California, brings together two teams with contrasting styles and recent performances, promising an engaging contest for basketball enthusiasts and bettors alike.

UC Riverside Highlanders vs. Santa Clara Broncos Game Preview

UC Riverside enters the NIT with a 21-12 record, having finished third in the Big West Conference with a 14-7 conference mark. The Highlanders' season concluded with a 96-83 loss to Cal Poly in the Big West tournament quarterfinals, snapping a three-game winning streak. Despite this setback, UC Riverside demonstrated resilience throughout the season, securing victories in five of their last seven regular-season games.

Offensively, the Highlanders averaged 74.9 points per game, ranking 149th nationally. They shot 42.6% from the field and 34.0% from beyond the arc. Defensively, UC Riverside allowed 73.5 points per game, placing them 227th in the nation. Key contributors include guard Barrington Hargress, who led the team with 20.6 points and 3.9 assists per game, and forward Joel Armotrading, who averaged 6.6 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game.

Santa Clara, boasting a 20-12 record, secured fourth place in the West Coast Conference with a 12-7 conference record. The Broncos' season ended with a narrow 78-76 loss to Pepperdine in the WCC tournament quarterfinals. They have been formidable at home, posting an 11-4 record at the Leavey Center.

The Broncos' offense is potent, averaging 81.3 points per game, which ranks 29th nationally. They shoot 46.7% from the field and an impressive 37.7% from three-point range. Defensively, Santa Clara allows 72.8 points per game, ranking 204th. Guard Adama Bal leads the team with 12.9 points and 3.0 assists per game, while forward Johnny O'Neil contributes 5.6 rebounds and 1.0 blocks per game.

Notably, these teams met earlier this season on November 19, with Santa Clara dominating UC Riverside 96-54 at home. In that game, the Broncos' offense overwhelmed the Highlanders, highlighting the potential challenges UC Riverside may face in this upcoming encounter.

Betting Insights

As of the latest available information, Santa Clara is favored by 10.5 points, with an over/under set at 149.5 points. Bettors should consider the following factors:

• Home Court Advantage: Santa Clara's strong home performance (11-4) suggests they are comfortable and effective at the Leavey Center.
• Offensive Prowess: The Broncos' high-scoring offense, averaging 81.3 points per game, could exploit UC Riverside's defense, which allows 73.5 points per game.
• Recent Trends: Both teams have shown tendencies toward high-scoring games, with the total going over in 18 of UC Riverside’s 30 games with a betting line and in three of Santa Clara's last four games.

UC Riverside Highlanders vs. Santa Clara Broncos Prediction

Considering the available data and recent performances, Santa Clara appears well-positioned to secure a victory in this NIT first-round matchup. Their potent offense, combined with home court advantage, presents a significant challenge for UC Riverside. While the Highlanders have demonstrated resilience, their defensive vulnerabilities against high-scoring teams could be exploited by the Broncos.

Given these factors, the prediction leans toward Santa Clara covering the 10.5-point spread. Additionally, with both teams exhibiting trends toward high-scoring games, the over on the 149.5-point total is a compelling consideration for bettors.

As always, it's essential for bettors to conduct thorough research and consider all variables before making wagering decisions. This analysis is based on the latest available information and aims to provide insights to inform betting strategies for this NIT matchup.