Cal State Northridge vs UC Irvine Picks and Prediction – 1/28/2024

In a compelling Big West clash, the Cal State Northridge Matadors square off against the UC Irvine Anteaters at Bren Events Center. With eyes set on climbing the conference ladder, both teams are prepared for this matchup. Slam dunk your bets with our College Basketball picks.

The Cal State Northridge Matadors, standing 5th in the Big West with a 13-7 record, are a team that has had much success from its offense. The Matadors scoring ability, averaging 77.2 points per game, ranks 102nd nationally, a sign of a successful high-octane offense. However, the Matadors' 3-point shooting (30.9%) and free-throw percentage (68.0%) highlight areas needing improvement. De'Sean Allen-Eikens, averaging 17.7 points, spearheads the offense, supported by Gianni Hunt's playmaking skills, dishing out 4 assists per game. 

On the defensive end, the Matadors have shown toughness, ranking 33rd in FG% defense (40.0%) and 85th in 3PT% defense (31.5%). Keonte Jones, a pivotal figure, leads the team in rebounds (6.9 per game), steals (2.0), and blocks (1.6), underscoring the team's defensive tenacity. The defense, allowing 72.6 points per game, can sometimes lag, particularly against high-scoring opponents.

The UC Irvine Anteaters, perched atop the Big West with a 14-6 record, present a stark contrast. A balanced approach has led to a 75.4 points per game average on offense, combined with a formidable defense allowing only 65.5 points per game – the 40th best in the nation. Justin Hohn, leading the team with 13.3 points per game, along with Pierre Crockrell II's impressive 6.2 assists per game, have been central to the success of the offense. The Anteaters boast a solid 47.1% field goal percentage, ranking 64th, and 36.1% from beyond the arc places them 77th nationally.

Defensively, UC Irvine has been tough to beat. Opponents struggle with a mere 39.2% shooting against them, a testament to a toughy defense, which ranks 16th in the nation. Pierre Crockrell II not only facilitates offense but also contributes defensively with 1.2 steals per game. However, it's rebounding, led by Devin Tillis (6.3 per game), that has been a cornerstone of defense.