UC Riverside Highlanders at BYU Cougars Picks and Prediction for Saturday, December 13, 2025
Use Code WWWC On Saturday, the UC Riverside Highlanders face a tough task when visiting Provo and the Marriott Center to play the 10th-ranked BYU Cougars. UC Riverside is 5-5 and defeated Cal Poly 88-84 on Saturday, snapping a two-game losing streak. BYU defeated Clemson 67-74 on Tuesday for its 5th consecutive win. UC Riverside is 1-1 in Big West Conference play, while BYU has not yet opened its Big 12 Conference schedule. Make sure to read this in-depth UC Riverside Highlanders vs BYU Cougars prediction. Feel the madness! Dive into our NCAAB picks for UC Riverside Highlanders at BYU Cougars prediction and seize the victory.
UC Riverside needs to play better defense
The UC Riverside Highlanders score an average of 83.1 points (154th) per game on 46.6% (132nd) shooting overall and 33.3% (199th) from 3-point territory. The UC Riverside defense allows an average of 81.8 (283rd) per game. Opponents are shooting 44.9% (255th) overall and 32.3% (169th) from 3-point territory against the Highlanders' defense.
Andrew Henderson and Marqui Worthy Jr are the top two scorers for UC Riverside. Henderson averages 17.7 points per game on 43.5% shooting, and Worthy Jr averages 16.1 points per game on 50.5% shooting. UC Riverside is grabbing an average of 35.2 rebounds per game, led by Osiris Grady, averaging 6.6 boards per contest. Worthy Jr leads the Highlanders in assists at 3.4 per game and steals at 1.3 per game. BJ Kolly is the rim protector, averaging 1.4 blocked shots per game. UC Riverside averages 12.2 assists, 5.0 steals, 4.1 blocked shots, and 13.2 turnovers per game.
Injuries: UC Riverside has no players on its injury report.
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BYU is tough at both ends of the court
The BYU Cougars score an average of 83.2 (150th) points per game on 48.4% (72nd) shooting overall and 35.5% (117th) from three-point land. The BYU defense holds opponents to 67.7 (50th) points per game. The Cougars hold opponents to 39.9% (58th) shooting overall and 31.5% (135th) from 3-point territory.
AJ Dybantsa and Richie Saunders are the top two scorers for BYU. Dybantsa averages 20.3 points per game on 54.2% shooting, and Saunders averages 17.3 points per game on 47.7% shooting. BYU has one other player who averages double figures in scoring. The Cougars grab an average of 38.9 rebounds per game, led by Keba Keita, averaging 6.9 boards per contest, while also leading in blocked shots at 2.1 swats per game. Robert Wright III is the dish leader, averaging 5.9 assists per game, while Saunders is the leader in steals at 2.1 per game. BYU averages 14.1 assists, 8.2 steals, 4.3 blocked shots, and 9.4 turnovers per game.
Injuries: BYU will play without Dawson Baker and Nate Pickens, while Brody Kozlowski is questionable
UC Riverside Highlanders at BYU Cougars Pick
Spread Pick for UC Riverside vs. BYU
- BYU -33.5 (4 units)
The BYU Cougars will have a large double-digit spread to cover as home chalk, but will do so on Saturday when hosting UC Riverside. BYU is tough at both ends, scoring an average of 83.2 points per game and allowing just 67.7 points per game. The Cougars’ defense holds opponents to 39.9% shooting overall and 31.5% from 3-point territory, while in comparison, UC Riverside allows 81.8 points per game on 44.9% shooting and 32.3% from 3-point territory. UC Riverside has covered the spread in four of its last five games, but has faced far less talented opponents than when visiting BYU on Saturday. BYU has covered the spread in four of its last six games, including straight-up victories over Wisconsin, Miami, Dayton, and Clemson. BYU also covered as a 6.5-point road dog against UConn when losing by just two points.
Over/Under Pick for UC Riverside vs. BYU
- Under 153.5 (5 units)
The BYU Cougars will score their share of points but will hold UC Riverside well below its average. The total has finished under in each of BYU's last two games and in three of the last four. On the season, the over/under is 3-6 for BYU. BYU has an adjusted tempo per KenPom of 69.1, which is 171st, and UC Riverside has an AdjT of 67.6, which is 238th. The two AdjTs combined are more conducive to lower-scoring outcomes.
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