UC Irvine vs Duquesne Picks and Prediction – 12/21/2024

The UC Irvine Anteaters (10-1, 4-1 away) are set to face the Duquesne Dukes (3-8, 1-4 home) in a non-conference clash at UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse. UC Irvine comes off a 67-55 road loss to Oregon State, while Duquesne is fresh off a 65-47 win over Towson. Both teams aim to carry momentum into this matchup. Slam dunk your bets with our College Basketball picks.

UC Irvine enters this game boasting an efficient offense, averaging 74.9 points per game on 46.1% shooting from the field. Center Bent Leuchten leads the way with 15.2 points per game, shooting 53.1% from the floor, and adds 8.9 rebounds. Guard Justin Hohn is the playmaker on offense with 4.0 assists per game while contributing defensively with 1.4 steals. 

The Anteaters dominate the boards, averaging 38.5 rebounds, giving them second-chance opportunities. Defensively, UC Irvine allows just 62.5 points per game, using size to limit interior scoring. They excel at forcing turnovers, averaging 7.2 steals per game, and maintain discipline in transition, limiting fast-break points.

Duquesne, despite its struggles, has shown flashes of offensive potential. Guard Tre Dinkins leads the team with 11.5 points per game, supported by Jahsean Corbett, who contributes 5.3 rebounds per contest. The Dukes average 65.3 points, shooting 40.4% from the field. They’ll need improved ball movement to challenge UC Irvine’s strong defense. 

Defensively, Duquesne allows 67.4 points per game. Forward David Dixon protects the rim with 1.4 blocks per game, but rebounding remains an issue as they average only 35.6 boards. Duquesne must tighten up defensively and avoid costly turnovers to compete with UC Irvine’s disciplined attack.

The Anteaters’ balanced offensive and defensive play should overwhelm the Dukes. With Bent Leuchten dominating in the paint and UC Irvine’s defensive consistency, Duquesne’s struggles against superior rebounding teams will prove decisive. Final Score Prediction: UC Irvine wins and covers 76-61.