UC Irvine has played well at home this season and host Jacksonville State in the second round of the NIT. UC Irvine is 18-2 straight up at home this season and they have covered six of their last seven Sunday home games. The Anteaters have also played stronger defense at home, only allowing opponents 66 points or less in their last five games while offensively, they are shooting 51% in the field in their last five games. They are also better at the free throw line, shooting over 81% and they are going to force turnovers with their tough defense. The Gamecocks were good on the road as far as covering the spread, however, the Anteaters are just on a higher level and the overall better team in this spot, so laying the points with them has value. UC Irvine should be motivated in this tournament after not making the NCAA tournament and will play with a chip on their shoulder.

Best bet: lay the points with UC Irvine.