Expert prediction
NIT First Round: UNLV vs UC Irvine Preview, Odds, Predictions (March 17)
Pick rationale
Analysis & key factors
- The Rebels made two NIT appearances in the last three years.
- The Anteaters make their fourth consecutive NIT appearance, 10th overall.
- This marks the 42nd all-time matchup between the two squads.
The final matchup of the March 17 slate will happen in the NIT as their last first-round matchup of the night will involve the UNLV Rebels and the UC Irvine Anteaters. The hosts stand tall as the slight favorite, having stakes in the matchup as they are trying to make another deep run in the NIT.
How to Watch
- When: Tuesday, March 17, 11 pm ET
- Where: Bren Events Center, Irvine, California
- How to Watch: ESPNU
NCAA Matchup Odds & Lines
| Team | Odds | Spread | Totals |
|---|---|---|---|
| UNLV | -107 | +1.5 | O152.5 |
| UC Irvine | -113 | -1.5 | U152.5 |
Game Preview
The Rebels (17-16) hope to end this season on a positive note after getting an invitation to the NIT in their first year under head coach Josh Pastner. The Rebels are averaging 79.4 points per game and have five players averaging 8.4 points per game or more: Gibbs-Lawhorn (20.7 ppg, 1st in MW/22nd in NCAA), Kimani Hamilton (12.9 ppg), Tyrin Jones (11.6 ppg), Howie Fleming Jr. (8.9 ppg), and Issac Williamson (8.4 ppg). Fleming Jr. leads the team in rebounds at 6.3 rpg (5th in MW) and assists at 3.7 apg (6th in MW). Gibbs-Lawhorn is the team’s steals leader at 1.6 spg (6th in MW), while Jones leads in blocks at 2.1 bpg (1st in MW/20th in NCAA).
The Anteaters (23-11) looks to get back to the NIT Championship Game and win it this time around, having lost to Chattanooga last year. The team ranks fourth in blocks (5.9), third in field goal percentage defense (38.4) and seventh in defensive rebounds (28.74). Kyle Evans, who became the UC Irvine and Big West single season block record holder, currently leads the country with 113. The Big West’s 2026 Defensive Player of the Year also tops the country in block average at 3.33 per contest. On another note, Jurian Dixon was named All-Big West first team and is seventh in the Big West in scoring at 16.0 per game overall. He leads the team with 70 three-pointers, making 2.1 per game, which is eighth-best in the Big West.
UNLV vs UC Irvine Head-to-Head
The two programs have had 41 meetings in their history, and the result is 32-9 for the Rebels. The last matchup was in November 2012 when UNLV won 85-57.
UNLV vs UC Irvine Predictions
UC Irvine has the talent to make another deep run in the NIT, having been the runners-up last year. UNLV struggled throughout portions of the regular season, leaving them vulnerable to an early exit from the tournament. If they are unable to limit Kyle Evans’ defensive activity and presence inside the paint, then UC Irvine can set the tone and never look back. Our betting pick here is the Anteaters to defend a 1.5-point spread.
- Free NCAAB pick: UC Irvine Anteaters -1.5
NCAAB
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