Irvine Visits Hawaii in Bailout Special

For years, University of Hawaii games have always received a fair amount of action from sports bettors. Due to the time difference, the Warriors start their home games several hours later than everybody else. These games have been dubbed “bailout specials” as they give bettors one last chance to get even for the day.

Tonight, the Irvine Anteaters visit Hawaii in the last game on the schedule. Irvine is favored by 4.5 points and the total on the game is now 134.

The teams met last month and it was all Irvine, which won 84-56. The score was 39-20 at half and Hawaii was dismal from the field. The Warriors were just 36.2% from the floor and a paltry 3 of 24 (12.5%) from 3-point range. Irvine shot 57.1% from the field.

Irvine was favored by 9.5 in that game and the total was 128, so the oddsmakers have definitely adjusted on the total. The Anteaters are 7-3 in conference games, while Hawaii is 6-4. Irvine averages just 66.1 points on the road this season, but do average 75.2 in conference. Irvine allows 69.1 points on the road, but 64.5 in conference.

Despite having a huge home court advantage, Hawaii is just 10-7 at home this season, but tend to play better on the Big Island than they do on the road.

This is a huge revenge game for the Warriors, who have covered their last four games, while Irvine has dropped four straight against the number. This is Hawaii’s first opportunity to avenge a blowout loss of 20 or more points in over three years.

The Warriors have played well against conference opponents, going 7-3 ATS, but they’ve done better in totals. Hawaii is 8-2 to the over this season, while Irvine is 5-4. The Anteaters are 6-0 in games played against teams with a winning record.

Hawaii will likely shoot better tonight, although it’s unlikely Irvine will shoot as well. Both teams should launch a number of 3-pointers and think this one squeaks over the total.