North Texas vs UC Irvine Odds, NIT Semifinals Prediction and March Madness Picks April 1

The North Texas Mean Green look to get one step closer to their second NIT title in three years when they face the UC Irvine Anteaters as the slight favorite on the college basketball lines in the tournament semifinals on Tuesday at Indianapolis.

North Texas is 10-2 in the last four NITs, including a championship in 2023. Coach Ross Hodge is expected to lead the Mean Green before leaving for the West Virginia job and North Texas has been one of the nation’s best defensive teams.

UC Irvine turned back UAB 81-77 in overtime to reach the semifinals and has won nine of its last 10 games. The Anteaters are 23-13 ATS on the season and +225 in the odds for March Madness ultimate NIT success.

North Texas vs UC Irvine Prediction Today April 01

My Prediction

UC Irvine 68, North Texas 62

It’s hard to judge what it will mean for Hodge to be on the bench for North Texas. The Mean Green will likely play its patented solid defense, but UC Irvine may have the tools to break through and be a good bet on March Madness for its backers.

Ross Hodge will coach the remainder of North Texas’ games in the National Invitation Tournament, UNT confirms.

— Brett Vito (@brettvito) March 26, 2025

North Texas vs UC Irvine Betting Picks

My top picks

1. North Texas vs UC Irvine ATS Pick: +1.5 points
2. North Texas vs UC Irvine O/U Pick: Over 128 points
3. North Texas vs UC Irvine top prop: Largest lead under 12.5 points (+105)

My Analysis

UC Irvine scored almost 76 points per game and North Texas has allowed 59.9. Something has to give in this matchup.

The Anteaters boast four players averaging at least 12 points. That doesn’t include Big West freshman of the year Jurian Dixon, who scored 16 versus UAB, and that’s why it’s our March Madness prediction they survive

North Texas will have to deal with Devin Tillis (13.4 ppg), who scored 22 in the quarterfinals. The Mean Green, which allows 41.1 percent shooting, will provide a big test. However, UC Irvine is even better in field percentage defense (39.6).

Atin Wright leads North Texas at 14.9 points per game, and Jasper Floyd (8.8 ppg) has scored 47 in three NIT games. However, the defense will certainly make the Mean Green many March Madness expert picks.

The Anteaters get to the free-throw line and make them. UC Irvine is third in the nation (80.3 percent). The game may not get into the 70s, but it will be close and should beat the low over/under number.

6⃣1⃣7⃣ 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠

With 15 makes from the line last night, the 2024-25 Anteaters have set the single season record of made free throws, beating out the 1971-72 squad’s 616 mark#StillHungry | #TogetherWeZot pic.twitter.com/7VcFKD2OT9

— UCI Men’s Basketball (@UCImbb) March 28, 2025

North Texas vs UC Irvine NIT Semifinals Best Player Prop Pick

• Bent Leuchten Over 13.5 Points (-104)

Bent Leuchten, a 7-foot-1 German, has been a consistent force for the Anteaters, and North Texas may have some trouble handling him. He leads the team in scoring (15.4) and rebounding (9.0).

The Mean Green must get a big game from second-leading scorer Brenen Lorient, a 6-9 player who has been held to 23 points and 14 rebounds in the tournament. Expect Leuchten to get something done inside, especially if Tillis and Dixon start fast.

The Big Man has also made 18 of 41 from 3-point range, and that versatility is why he is our expert NCAA basketball pick to have a big game.

𝙍𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 1️⃣9️⃣

Bent Leuchten got it done for his 19th double-double of the season last night!#StillHungry | #TogetherWeZot pic.twitter.com/PfdNL2jLs3

— UCI Men’s Basketball (@UCImbb) March 27, 2025

North Texas vs UC Irvine How to Watch

• Game: North Texas Mean Green (27-8) vs UC-Irvine Anteaters (31-6)
• Date/Time: Tuesday, April 1, 7:00 p.m. ET
• Location: Hinkle Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN.
• North Texas vs UC Irvine Live Stream: Fubo.tv

Get updated North Texas vs UC Irvine stats here.

Odds and information are accurate at the time of writing. Please check with official sources for the latest updates before placing any bets.

More March Madness Picks, Predictions and Best Bets

• North Texas vs UC Irvine Same Game Parlay Picks For NIT Semifinals 2025