- Matchup: Belmont Bruins vs UC Irvine Anteaters
- Event Date: Friday, December 19, 2025
- Venue: Bren Events Center, Irvine, CA
- Broadcast: ESPN+
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The Belmont Bruins (10-1) are set to visit Bren Events Center on Friday, aiming for victory against the UC Irvine Anteaters (7-4).
In their recent match, the Belmont Bruins triumphed over UIC with a close score of 87-84. Belmont achieved a remarkable 58.0% shooting accuracy, hitting 29 of 50 attempts, including 13 from beyond the arc out of 25 tries. At the free throw line, the Bruins converted 16 of their 22 shots, marking a 72.7% success rate. They recorded a total of 27 rebounds—9 of which were offensive—and dished out 17 assists. Despite creating 8 turnovers and securing 4 steals, their defense allowed the opponent to shoot 44.6% from the field. UIC tallied 17 assists and 7 steals but recorded zero blocks. Remarkably, UIC went 100% from the free-throw line, converting all 13 attempts and sinking 13 out of 32 three-point attempts. In terms of fouls, Belmont committed 14 while UIC tallied 20.
Nic McClain was pivotal for the Bruins, scoring 17 points on a 4 of 7 shooting performance. Over 33 minutes, he grabbed 3 rebounds and provided 7 assists, finishing with a 57.1% shooting average.
Currently, Belmont boasts a 10-1 record this season. They average 13.5 turnovers and commit 16.1 fouls per game. As a team, they secure 39.9 rebounds per game, accumulating a total of 206 assists, which ranks 24th nationally in assist distribution. Belmont is converting 38.6% of their three-pointers (118 of 306) and achieving 65.2% from the free throw line. They average 85.7 points per game, placing 58th in college basketball, while shooting 52.0% overall.
Defensively, the Bruins force their opponents into 13.5 turnovers per game while accumulating 16.9 personal fouls. They permit just 28.9% shooting from beyond the arc, ranking 84th in college basketball for points allowed, conceding 68.3 points per game. Their opponents shoot 36.6% from the field, and they yield an average of 34.2 rebounds per game, ranking 72nd nationally for assists allowed with 120 this season.
In their last outing, the UC Irvine Anteaters captured a win with an 85-71 score against Cal State Northridge. The Anteaters collected 31 defensive rebounds and 14 offensive boards, totaling 45 for the game. They committed 10 turnovers and recorded 4 steals throughout the contest. Cal State Northridge incurred 21 fouls, sending the Anteaters to the line 21 times; UC Irvine converted 14 of these attempts, achieving a 66.7% free throw rate. In terms of three-point shooting, UC Irvine made 9 of 19 attempts, totaling 47.4%. The Anteaters finished with a 49.2% shooting performance from the field, sinking 31 of 63 attempts. On defense, they allowed Cal State Northridge to score on 26 of 66 shots, resulting in a 39.4% shooting percentage. They closed the game shooting 36.4% from beyond the arc and were 11 of 18 from the free throw line (61.1%). UC Irvine allowed Cal State Northridge to grab 27 rebounds overall (8 offensive).
Derin Saran played an influential role for the Anteaters, contributing 17 points in 31 minutes, along with 3 assists. He shot 7 of 15, achieving a 46.7% shooting rate, and grabbed 7 rebounds.
UC Irvine maintains a record of 7-4 this season. They commit an average of 17.0 personal fouls per game and achieve 66.2% from the free throw line. The Anteaters average 17.4 assists (ranking 51st in Division 1) while turning the ball over 12.5 times per game. So far, UC Irvine has scored 875 points (79.5 per game) and averages 43.0 rebounds per contest. Offensively, they succeed 47.0% of the time from the floor, placing them 117th in the division.
Defensively, the Anteaters rank 19th in Division I, allowing just 63.9 points per game. They force 13.4 turnovers and restrict opponents to 35.2% shooting from the field, ranking 2nd in the nation. Their defense yields 29.3% from three-point land (72 of 246), and opponents hit 64.6% from the free throw line. They concede an average of 11.4 assists and 37.7 rebounds per game, ranking 56th and 309th in Division 1, respectively.
Which team will cover the spread in tonight’s NCAA matchup?
Prediction: Bet on Belmont
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