The Cal Bears will welcome the UIC Flames to Haas Pavilion on Wednesday night in a late tip in the opening round of the NIT.
The Flames have done next to nothing against quality opponents this season, and my UIC vs California predictions and college basketball picks for Wednesday, March 18 explains why this is going to be a very long night for their offense.
UIC vs California prediction
Who will win UIC vs California?
California: The Bears are the more talented, physical team at both ends of the floor and control the perimeter. They shoot well from deep, limit turnovers, and will have a significant size advantage in the frontcourt.
The Flames haven’t faced a power conference opponent this season, and can’t shoot well from outside. They rely on forcing turnovers to get stops, something that won’t happen in this contest.
UIC vs California best bet: UIC team total Under 72.5 (-120)
UIC went 4-7 this season against Quad-1 and Quad-2 opponents. In those 11 games, the Flames shot just 29% from downtown.
That makes scoring somewhat difficult for a team ranked 237th in adjusted tempo and 247th in eFG%. They also have their shots blocked at a rate of 10.6% due to having no players over 6-foot-8 who play significant minutes.
It gets even harder when facing a California defense that ranks 32nd in 3P% defense, 59th in adjusted defensive efficiency, and allows the lowest FT rate in the country.
UIC will struggle to reach 70 points on Wednesday.
COVERS INTEL: UIC’s eFG% against Quad-1 and Quad-2 opponents is just 48%, compared to 50.7% against Quad-3 and Quad-4 foes. 
UIC vs California same-game parlay
Cal should win this game comfortably. The Bears went 6-1 against Q3 opposition and are simply the better team. The Flames have lost their last three outings against solid opposition by at least six points, and haven’t played a single power-conference opponent all season. Their lack of size will hurt them here.
With UIC not contributing a high amount of scoring, we should also see an Under here. Five of Cal’s last six games have gone south of the total, a streak broken against Florida State as the Seminoles went unconscious from downtown.
UIC vs California SGP
- Under 151.5
- California -6
Our beyond the arc SGP: Playing up the offense
Playmakers make plays, and these three don’t disappoint. Elijah Crawford carries this UIC team and posts a usage rate of 31.2%, and has scored at least 18 points in five of his last six games.
Dai Dai Ames scored 31 against Wake Forest and 27 against FSU in the ACC Tournament, and leads the Bears in scoring. He’s shooting the ball well and does a great job getting to the charity stripe.
He’s often the target of Justin Pippen, who has notched a 29% assist rate this season. Pippen will thrive against a UIC team ranked 361st in assist rate allowed.
UIC vs California SGP
- Elijah Crawford Over 16.5 points
- Dai Dai Ames Over 18.5 points
- Justin Pippen Over 5.5 assists
UIC vs California odds
- Spread: UIC +6 | California -6
- Moneyline: UIC +205 | California -250
- Over/Under: Over 151.5 | Under 151.5
UIC vs California betting trend to know
California has hit the Game Total Under in 5 of their last 6 games (+3.90 Units / 59% ROI). Find more college basketball betting trends for UIC vs. California.
How to watch UIC vs California
| Location | Haas Pavilion, Berkeley, CA |
| Date | Wednesday, March 18, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 11:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN2 |
UIC vs California key injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
