Date: Tuesday, April 1, 2025
Time: 4:00 PM (Local Time – Indianapolis)
Location: Hinkle Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, INSpread: North Texas -1.5
Over/Under: 127.5
This NIT Semifinal matchup pits the North Texas Mean Green against the UC Irvine Anteaters in a neutral-site clash at historic Hinkle Fieldhouse. North Texas enters as a slight favorite, but this game has all the makings of a tight, down-to-the-wire contest.
North Texas Mean Green:
The Mean Green have been on a roll, boasting an impressive 11-2 record in their last 13 games. They are known for their stingy defense, a fact reflected in their recent trends – the total has gone UNDER in four of their last six games. North Texas also holds a strong +7.1 average scoring margin, ranked 43rd nationally. However, they are a relatively low-scoring team, averaging just 67.5 points per game (311th nationally). They’ll likely try to control the tempo and make this a defensive battle.
UC Irvine Anteaters:
The Anteaters find themselves in the NIT Semifinals and they played an overtime in their last game, winning 81-77. On the season, they have a remarkably different statistical profile than North Texas. UC Irvine averages 66.9 points a game (#32) and has an -8.8 (#28) average scoring margin.
Key Factors & Matchup Notes:
- Neutral Court: The game being played at Hinkle Fieldhouse eliminates any home-court advantage.
- Defensive Battle: Both teams are not exactly offensive juggernauts.
- Tillis (UCI): UC Irvine’s Tillis is a player to watch, coming off a strong performance with 12 points, 7 rebounds, and 8 assists in his previous game.
Prediction:
This game is a tough one to call. The narrow spread (-1.5 in favor of North Texas) indicates that the oddsmakers expect a very close contest. North Texas’ strong recent form and defensive prowess make them a slight favorite. However, the large difference in scoring margin favors North Texas in a large way.
Given the low over/under (127.5) and both teams’ relatively low scoring averages, the under feels like a strong play. North Texas’s better record and large average win margin, along with their recent play make them the choice to win.
Final Score Prediction: North Texas 63, UC Irvine 60Pick: Under 127.5
Sources:
2024-25 UC Irvine Men’s Basketball – Schedule – The Big West
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