Thu Mar 20 03:30:00 UTC 2025: **Northern Colorado Bears Expected to Give UC Irvine Anteaters a Run for Their Money in NIT Matchup**
IRVINE, CA – Despite being 7.5-point underdogs, the Northern Colorado Bears are predicted to put up a strong offensive showing against the UC Irvine Anteaters in their first-round NIT game Wednesday night. While UC Irvine, a team that narrowly missed the NCAA tournament, boasts a top-20 defense, the Bears’ high-powered offense, which led the Big Sky Conference in scoring, is expected to keep the game close.
Northern Colorado averaged 80.9 points per game during the regular season, shooting 51.1% from the field and 37.6% from three-point range – impressive statistics that will test the Anteaters’ defense. Although UC Irvine’s defense held strong for much of the season, they were upset in the Big West Conference Tournament final, losing 75-61 and struggling offensively themselves (35.1% shooting from the field).
Sports analyst Eric, whose predictions have been highly regarded, believes that the point spread favors the Bears. He points to Northern Colorado’s recent strong performance against the spread (7-3 ATS in their last 10 games) and their ability to consistently score 73 points or more in recent matches. While acknowledging UC Irvine’s defensive prowess, Eric highlights that the Anteaters have conceded at least 75 points to their last three opponents, suggesting a vulnerability. His recommended bet is Northern Colorado +7.5. He also suggests a same-game parlay including Northern Colorado’s team total over 72.5 points.
The game tips off at 10:00 p.m. ET at the Bren Events Center in Irvine.
First Piper 