UNLV Rebels vs UC Irvine Anteaters, Picks and Prediction for Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Use Code WWWC The NIT begins this week and there are some great matchups on Tuesday, March 17. Read our UNLV vs UC Irvine prediction along with our NCAAB picks. UNLV is 17-16 and their latest loss came in the quarterfinals of the Mountain West Conference tournament. The Rebels have won seven of their last 11 games. UC Irvine is 23-11 overall this season. The Anteaters held a 16-3 home record as they were the Big West Conference regular season champs. These two teams will meet with tip-off set for 11 P.M. EST.
UNLV playing its best at the end of the season
UNLV is 17-16 overall this season. The Rebels finished the season in a tie for seventh-place in the Mountain West Conference. The Rebels are 6-6 when they have played on the road this year. The Rebels have won seven of their last 11 games.
UNLV defeated Wyoming 73-70 in the first round of the Mountain West Conference tournament. The Rebels then lost by 20 points in the quarterfinals against Utah State.
Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn leads the team with 20.7 points per game. Howie Fleming Jr. is grabbing a team-high 6.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game.
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UNLV has the 107th ranked team in the nation, according to KenPom. They are the 84th ranked offensive team, while they are also the 172nd ranked defensive team.
UNLV is averaging 80.3 points per game, which ranks 101st in the nation. They are shooting 47.3% from the field, which ranks 61st. The Rebels are making 34.8% from behind the 3-point line, which ranks 149th.
On defense, UNLV is allowing 78.8 points per game, which ranks 282nd. They are the 268th ranked defensive team, allowing 45.8% from the field. The Rebels are giving up 35.8% from behind the 3-point line, which ranks 315th.
UNLV is 15-17 against the spread this season. The Rebels are 9-9 against the spread when playing as an underdog this season. UNLV is 7-5 against the spread when they have played on the road. The over is 20-12 when UNLV has played this season. The over is 8-4 when UNLV has played on the road.
UC Irvine claims Big West regular season title
UC Irvine finished the season with a 23-11 record. The Anteaters won the Big West Conference regular season title with a 15-5 record, one game ahead of Hawaii. UC Irvine ended the season with a 16-3 home record.
Last week, the Anteaters lost 71-64 to Hawaii for the Big West Conference title game. The win sent Hawaii to the NCAA Tournament, while UC Irvine has to settle for the NIT. Irvine failed to take the lead in the final 10 minutes of the game as the Rainbow Warriors were able to claim victory.
Irvine’s Jurian Dixon leads the team with 16 points per game. Kyle Evans is grabbing a team-high 8.5 rebounds, while Tama Isaac is dishing out 3.9 assists per game.
Irvine is the 104th ranked team in the nation, according to KenPom. They are ranked 255th in the country on the offensive end. They are also the 26th ranked defensive team.
Irvine is averaging 79.8 points per game, which ranks 113th in the nation. They are the 101st ranked shooting team, making 46.6% from the field. The Anteaters are making 33.5% from behind the 3-point line, which ranks 214th.
On defense, Irvine is allowing 70.3 points per game, which ranks 65th. They are the third-best ranked defensive team, allowing 38.1% from the field. The Anteaters are also the 139th ranked 3-point defensive team, giving up 33% from behind the arc.
Irvine is 18-14 against the spread this season. The Anteaters are 7-6 against the spread when playing at home. Irvine is 14-12 against the spread when playing as a favorite. The under is 20-12 when Irvine has played this year. The under is 9-5 when Irvine has played at home.
UNLV Rebels vs UC Irvine Anteaters Picks
UNLV vs UC Irvine Spread Pick
- Take UNLV to cover (5 units)
UNLV has been playing its best basketball of the season lately winning seven of its last 11 games. They are 84th on the offensive end, while also being ranked 172nd on defense. UC Irvine will be disappointed not to make the NCAA Tournament after losing in the conference title game. It’s hard to see the Anteaters wanting to keep their season going after they won the regular season conference title. UC Irvine’s offense ranks 255th this year. If UNLV can get some buckets, the Anteaters do not have the offensive firepower to keep going. UC Irvine is just 7-6 against the spread at home this year. UNLV is 7-5 against the spread when playing on the road.
Take the UNLV to cover.
UNLV vs UC Irvine Over/Under Pick
- Take the over (5 units)
UNLV will try to control the pace and get out and run in this game. The Rebels rank 55th in the nation in adjusted tempo. The Anteaters also do not mind a fast game, as they rank 133rd in pace, too. Both teams are averaging 80 points or more this season. This should be a high scoring game in the first round of the NIT.
Take the over on Tuesday.
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