- Matchup: UC Irvine Anteaters vs Cal State Northridge Matadors
- Event Date: Thursday, February 26, 2026
- Venue: Premier America Credit Union Arena, Northridge, CA
- Broadcast: ESPN+
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This Thursday, the UC Irvine Anteaters (18-10) are gearing up to clash with the Cal State Northridge Matadors (18-10) at the Premier America Credit Union Arena.
In their recent match, UC Irvine faced UC-San Diego and suffered a narrow defeat, ending with a score of 71-69. They recorded a field goal percentage of 41.8%, successfully making 28 of 67 attempts, including 8 out of 18 from beyond the arc. At the free-throw line, the Anteaters converted 5 out of 7 attempts (71.4%). On the boards, they collected 35 rebounds, 13 of which were offensive. Additionally, they provided 18 assists while forcing 8 turnovers and securing 5 steals. Defensively, UC Irvine allowed their opponents to shoot 44.1% from the field, with UC-San Diego finishing with 19 assists and 6 steals. The opposing team managed to gather 30 rebounds (10 offensive, 20 defensive) without any blocks. UC-San Diego excelled at the free-throw line, making 9 of 11 attempts (81.8%) and sinking 10 of 25 3-pointers. The Anteaters were called for 14 fouls, whereas UC-San Diego tallied 10.
Highlighted in this game was Jurian Dixon, who played a pivotal role. He scored 22 points on 9 of 18 shooting, logged 34 minutes, grabbed 3 boards, and recorded 4 assists, finishing with a shooting percentage of 50.0%.
As they enter this game, UC Irvine holds a season record of 18-10 and averages 77.0 points per game (152nd overall), with a shooting efficiency of 46.3%. From long range, their 3-point shooting stands at 33.9% (163 of 481), and at the free-throw line, they connect on 68.1%. The Anteaters average 40.4 rebounds per game and have accumulated 453 assists this season, placing them 58th in Division I. They have an average of 12.7 turnovers and commit approximately 16.1 fouls per contest.
Defensively, the Anteaters force an average of 13.6 turnovers per game and concede 18.3 fouls. They rank 128th in college basketball for the number of assists allowed, having relinquished 357 total this year. Their defense permits opponents to shoot 37.8% from the field (668 of 1,767) and averages 37.2 rebounds per game, while holding a 33.0% defensive rate on 3-pointers. They rank 38th in points allowed per game, giving up only 67.8.
In their last match, the Cal State Northridge Matadors earned a close victory, defeating Long Beach State 78-76. In this match, Cal State Northridge allowed Long Beach State to secure 31 rebounds (7 offensive). The Matadors finished with an impressive 46.2% shooting from 3-point range, converting 12 of 26 attempts, and were 14 of 19 from the free-throw line (73.7%). Long Beach State managed a shooting percentage of 43.1% on 25 of 58 attempts. The Matadors went 33 for 69 from the field (47.8%) and made 3 out of 10 attempts from beyond the arc, achieving a 30.0% success rate. They capitalized on their trips to the charity stripe, hitting 9 out of 18 attempts at 50.0%. Long Beach State committed 22 fouls, granting the Matadors a total of 18 free throws. Overall, Cal State Northridge turned the ball over 9 times but managed to steal the ball 7 times, gathering 23 defensive and 9 offensive rebounds for a total of 32.
Josiah Davis was a standout player for the Matadors, scoring 21 points on 8 of 15 shooting (53.3% efficiency) while grabbing 3 rebounds and providing 9 assists during 35 minutes on the court.
Cal State Northridge also holds an 18-10 record for the season. The Matadors average 18.5 fouls per game and convert 65.3% of their free throws. They distribute 17.3 assists per game (29th in the nation) and average 13.0 turnovers per contest. This season, Cal State Northridge has amassed 2,295 points (82.0 points per game) and collect 41.7 rebounds on average. Offensively, the Matadors shoot 45.7% from the field, placing them 153rd nationwide.
On defense, the Cal State Northridge Matadors allow a 3-point shooting percentage of 34.0% (291 of 856), with opponents making 75.6% of their free throw attempts. They concede an average of 14.9 assists and 35.9 rebounds per game, ranking them 292nd and 275th in college basketball, respectively. Their defense ranks 315th in points allowed per game with 79.0, while they force 12.9 turnovers and let teams shoot 41.9% from the field (ranking 65th in college basketball).
Who will come out on top in tonight’s NCAA battle against the spread?
Pick: Bet on Cal State Northridge
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