UC Irvine Anteaters vs Cal Poly Mustangs NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 1/2/25
Looking to win big? The Anteaters and Mustangs face off at 8:00 ET on ESPN+. The Mustangs are hosting the game at Mott Athletics Center in San Luis Obispo, CA. UC Irvine come into this Big West conference matchup as the -8.5 favorite. The over/under line currently sits at 158.5 points.
UC IRVINE ANTEATERS VS CAL POLY MUSTANGS BETTING PICK
The Pick: Cal Poly Mustangs +8.5
This game will be played at Mott Athletics Center at 8:00 ET on Thursday, January 2nd.
WHY BET THE CAL POLY MUSTANGS:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 76-69 in favor of the Mustangs.
- Not only will Cal Poly pick up the win, but look for them to cover at +8.5.
- The over/under is currently sitting at 158.5 points, and we like the under with a projected 145 points.
Does UC Irvine Have a Shot at a Road Win?
UC Irvine Anteaters Recent Game/Games
UC Irvine improved to 10-2 on the season with a 71-63 win over California Baptist on Monday. The Anteaters were -3.5 favorites going into the game and covered the spread with the win.
After trailing 29-25 at halftime, UC Irvine turned things around in the 2nd half, outscoring the Lancers 46-34. The game’s total points ended at 134, falling short of the 142.5 O/U line.
UC Irvine put up 71 points in their last game, shooting 50% from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was 53.6%, with a strong 58.5% inside the arc, but they struggled from three-point range, hitting just 4 of 15 attempts (26.7%).
At the free-throw line, the Anteaters connected on 11 of 14 shots (78.6%). Bent Leuchten led the way with 20 points and 10 rebounds, shooting 75% from the field. Adam Moussa also had a big game, scoring 19 points and hitting 5 of 7 threes (71.4%).
UC Irvine’s defense held their opponent to 63 points, with a field goal percentage of 40% (24/60). They limited two-point shooting to 45% (15/33).
From beyond the arc, the Anteaters allowed 9 threes on 27 attempts (33%). They sent their opponent to the line just 7 times, where they made 6 free throws (85%).
Can Cal Poly Lock in a Home Win?
Cal Poly Mustangs Recent Game/Games
Cal Poly’s season record dropped to 5-8 after an 86-82 loss to Omaha on Saturday. The Mustangs, who were -2 favorites, not only lost but also failed to cover the spread.
In the game, Cal Poly trailed 43-38 at halftime. They scored 44 points in the 2nd half but allowed 43, unable to make up the deficit. The total points for the game reached 168, surpassing the O/U line of 160.5.
Cal Poly’s offense put up 82 points in their last game, shooting 46.4% from the field. They connected on 40% of their three-point attempts, hitting 12 of 30, and were nearly perfect from the free-throw line, making 18 of 19 for a 94.7% rate.
Marquel Sutton led the way with 24 points and 9 rebounds, shooting 50% from the field. Jarred Hyder added 22 points, hitting 4 threes at a 40% clip, while Owen Koonce contributed 20 points, also shooting 40% from deep.
Cal Poly gave up 86 points, with their opponents shooting 44% from the field. They allowed 57% shooting on two-pointers, with the opposing team making 23 of 40 attempts.
From beyond the arc, Cal Poly’s defense held their opponents to 27% shooting, as they hit 8 of 29 threes. The Mustangs also sent them to the line 24 times, where they converted 16 free throws.