UC Irvine Set To Face Northern Colorado On March 19

UC Irvine Anteaters will clash with Northern Colorado Bears this Wednesday night, March 19, 2025, at the Bren Events Center, with tip-off set for 10 p.m. ET. Fans eagerly awaiting this matchup can catch all the action live on ESPN.

Both teams have had stellar seasons leading up to this encounter. The Anteaters, boasting an impressive record of 28 wins and just 6 losses, have shown remarkable skills on the court. Bent Leuchten leads UC Irvine’s charge, contributing significantly with averages of 15.4 points, 1.6 assists, and 9.0 rebounds per game. With talents such as Devin Tillis and Justin Hohn also contributing, the Anteaters are poised for success.

“What sets us apart is our teamwork. We focus on building each other up,” said Leuchten, reflecting on the team’s chemistry.

On the other hand, the Northern Colorado Bears, with their own impressive record of 25 wins against 9 losses, aim to upset the Anteaters. Langston Reynolds has been key for Northern Colorado, averaging 16 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game. The skillful Isaiah Hawthorne contributes with noteworthy 17.4 points and 5.3 rebounds per game, making the Bears’ offense something to watch. The depth of their roster is exemplified by Jaron Rillie's contributions of 12.1 points and 4.6 assists on average.

The game is expected to be competitive, particularly considering the statistical breakdown showing UC Irvine shooting at 45.5% from the field, which is just marginally higher than the 45.3% the Bears concede. Meanwhile, Northern Colorado leads with 51.1% shooting from the field, highlighting their potent offense.

“Every game is important for us, and we look to maintain our performance on the road to success,” stated Reynolds, underscoring the Bears' readiness for battle.

Statistically speaking, UC Irvine has excelled, recording 9 wins against the spread when they manage to shoot over 45.3%. Conversely, Northern Colorado stands at 15-9 against the spread, showcasing their ability to excel when they shoot above 39.6%. The Anteaters are the 35th best rebounding team nationally, averaging 34.9 boards per game, compared to the Bears’ 207th ranking with just 31.4 rebounds per game.

Betting enthusiasts are closely watching this exciting matchup. According to Dimers.com, simulations for this game predict UC Irvine has a 77% chance of claiming victory. The predicted final score stands at UC Irvine 80, Northern Colorado 72, making the Anteaters the favored team to cover the (-7.5) spread.

“With our models having simulated this matchup 10,000 times, we’re confident UC Irvine will dominate this encounter,” said Nick Slade, Chief Content Officer at Dimers.

The odds provide insights for bettors, with Northern Colorado’s spread set at +7.5 and the Anteaters at -7.5. The moneyline currently sits at +270 for Northern Colorado and -325 for UC Irvine, hinting at the clear favoritism for the Anteaters going forward.

With so much riding on this NCAA matchup, fans can expect both teams to be at their best come Wednesday night. UC Irvine's determination coupled with Northern Colorado's aim for redemption promises fans an electrifying evening of college basketball at the Bren Events Center.