Expert prediction
NIT First Round: UIC vs California Preview, Odds, Predictions (March 18)
Pick rationale
Analysis & key factors
- The Flames made their first NIT appearance since 2003.
- The Golden Bears appear in the NIT for the 10th time in program history.
- This marks the first all-time meeting between the two programs.
The final NIT first-round matchup of the March 18 slate will see the UIC Flames take on the California Golden Bears duke it out. The hosts stand tall as slight favorites for the win, having a game that will conclude the NIT first round in great fashion.
How to Watch
- When: Wednesday, March 18, 11 pm ET
- Where: Haas Pavilion, Berkeley, California
- How to Watch: ESPN2
NCAA Matchup Odds & Lines
| Team | Odds | Spread | Totals |
|---|---|---|---|
| UIC | -104 | +6.5 | O151 |
| California | -116 | -6.5 | U151 |
Game Preview
The Flames (19-15) exceeded expectations this season as they are back as a postseason squad, returning to the NIT for the first time since 2003. UIC has won 14 of its last 19 games, culminating with its first-ever trip to the MVC Tournament championship game. Elijah Crawford was a dual honoree, being named to the All-MVC Second Team and MVC All-Newcomer Team, while Andy Johnson was chosen for the MVC All-Freshman Team. Crawford has been producing 14.1 points and 4.6 assists per game. Meanwhile, Johnson looks to come through with a solid performance of 11.4 points and 3.5 rebounds per contest.
The Golden Bears (21-11) enjoyed their best season they haven’t experienced since the 2016-17 campaign, earning 20 or more wins and possibly counting. Cal is holding opponents to just 31.3 percent from 3-point range, ranking No. 46 in the nation in 3-point percentage defense as of March 15. Dai Dai Ames and Justin Pippen earned All-ACC honors with their respective selections to the All-ACC Third Team and for All-ACC Honorable Mention. Meanwhile, Justin Pippen has shown his prowess as a two-way standout, being Cal’s second leading scorer with 14.2 points per game while serving up 4.5 assists and 1.9 steals per game.
UIC vs California Head-to-Head
The two programs are facing each other for the first time in their respective histories.
UIC vs California Predictions
The NIT second round game, featuring the Cal-UIC and Colorado State-Saint Joseph’s winners, will take place on Sunday (March 22). The Golden Bears possess the defensive talent that can disrupt any kind of runs that UIC tries to put together throughout the night. This game will come down to who makes the big plays more frequently, which may play into Cal’s favor. Our betting pick here is for the Golden Bears to defend a 6.5-point spread.
- Free NCAAB pick: California Golden Bears -6.5
NCAAB
More Predictions
NFL Odds, Predictions: Broncos vs. Cardinals Week 7 Preview & Picks (Oct 25)
Cards beat the Rams on the road, which gave them a massive morale boost ahead of this event. Meanwhile, the Broncos are in excellent shape, with 4 wins in 5 weeks. Both teams aim for a triumph in Glendale, yet who will come out on top? Stay tuned with us to see the latest NFL […]
Men’s National Championship: UConn vs Michigan Preview, Odds, Predictions (April 6)
The NCAA Tournament has come down to its last game of the 2025-26 campaign, seeing the Big East’s UConn Huskies duke it out with the Big Ten’s Michigan Wolverines. The latter stands out as the slight favorite, presenting the high stakes that will be actively present in this championship showdown. How to Watch NCAA Matchup […]
NIT Championship: Tulsa vs Auburn Preview, Odds, Predictions (April 5)
The 2026 NIT will come to an end as the Auburn Tigers take on the Tulsa Golden Hurricane on Sunday night. The former stands out as the slight favorite, meaning that Tulsa will have its work cut out for them throughout the championship showdown. How to Watch NCAA Matchup Odds & Lines Team Odds Spread […]
College Basketball Crown Championship: Oklahoma vs West Virginia Preview, Odds, Predictions (April 5)
The 2026 College Basketball Crown will come to a close when the West Virginia Mountaineers take on the Oklahoma Sooners. The Sooners stand out as a slight favorite, paving the way for a great showdown in the championship round. How to Watch NCAA Matchup Odds & Lines Team Odds Spread Totals Oklahoma -115 -3 O137 […]
Women’s National Championship: South Carolina vs UCLA Preview, Odds, Predictions (April 5)
The championship game of the 2026 NCAA Women’s Tournament has arrived as it features a battle between the SEC’s South Carolina Gamecocks and the Big Ten’s UCLA Bruins. The former comes out as the slight favorite as both teams compete for the right to end the campaign as national champions. How to Watch NCAA Matchup […]