UC Irvine aims to extend its five-game winning streak on February 21 in a televised Big West Conference game against UC San Diego at the Bren Events Center. Irvine enters the game following an 86-65 victory over CSU Fullerton, showcasing their offensive and rebounding strengths. UC San Diego, coming off a 72-66 win over UC Riverside, boasts a balanced attack with an average of 76.3 points per game and solid defensive metrics. The game is viewed as a critical late-season test, with Irvine favored by 4.5 points and the total set at 143.5. Irvine’s rebounding and possession control are expected to be decisive, with predictions favoring the Anteaters to cover the spread and possibly go over the total due to both teams’ scoring profiles. The game will influence postseason positioning, with both teams looking to solidify their standings.