UC Irvine Anteaters vs UC Riverside Highlanders Betting Preview
The UC Irvine Anteaters look to bounce back from a narrow loss, while the UC Riverside Highlanders aim to defend their home floor in this Big West clash at SRC Arena.
Line Movement and Odds
UC Irvine enters as the favorite, but UC Riverside’s home record makes this line competitive. Current market:
- UC Irvine Spread: -8.5 (-112)
- UC Riverside Spread: +8.5 (-114)
- UC Irvine MoneyLine: -433
- UC Riverside MoneyLine: +317
- Total: 141.5 (-110)
Check College Basketball Odds for live updates and sharper angles.
Matchup Breakdown
UC Irvine Outlook
The Anteaters average 77.6 points per game, with Jurian Dixon, Kyle Evans, and Harrison Carrington leading the offense. Dixon’s 15.8 points per game highlight his consistency, while Evans’ 10 rebounds vs UC Davis showcased his impact. UC Irvine’s shooting efficiency (46.7% FG, 118th nationally; 40.1 rebounds per game) underscores their strengths. Their 12-7 record and strong away mark (6-3) highlight resilience, making them a dangerous favorite.
UC Riverside Outlook
The Highlanders average 72.1 points per game, with Andrew Henderson, Marqui Worthy Jr., and BJ Kolly driving production. Henderson’s 17 points and 10 rebounds vs Cal State Fullerton highlighted his consistency, while Worthy’s 22 points showcased his scoring punch. UC Riverside’s shooting efficiency (44.6% FG; 4-3 home record) underscores their strengths. Their 7-12 record and ability to win at SRC Arena highlight resilience, making them tough at home.
Key Factors
This matchup may hinge on rebounding and pace. UC Irvine thrives on balanced scoring and offensive depth, while UC Riverside must rely on Henderson’s scoring and home-court energy to tilt the game. Turnovers and late-game execution will likely decide the margin.
Injuries / Availability
UC Irvine: No injuries reported.
UC Riverside: No notable injuries listed.
Environment
SRC Arena has been a reliable venue for UC Riverside, where they’ve gone 4-3 this season. UC Irvine enters with confidence from strong offensive performances, making this a clash of home strength vs road-tested dominance.
Best Bets and Prediction
Projected Final Score: UC Irvine 74, UC Riverside 64
- UC Irvine -8.5 → Best Bet. Their offensive efficiency and rebounding suggest they can cover the spread.
- Under 141.5 → Total play. Both teams’ slower pace points toward a combined score below the line.
UC Irvine’s depth and shooting rhythm should carry them to victory, while UC Riverside’s home-court advantage keeps the game competitive early. Expect a moderately low-scoring contest with totals landing just under the posted number.
Handicappers and Service Plays
Big West games often create unique betting opportunities. Our Best Handicappers highlight experts who consistently read market trends, while the Leaderboard shows who’s riding hot streaks. Premium insights in Buy Picks provide deeper reasoning behind each wager. For contests like UC Irvine vs UC Riverside, expert perspectives can help identify sharp angles in spreads and totals.


