Already this week, we've seen some capable western sides such as Cal Baptist, Grand Canyon, and USF lose road games in the Central Time Zone this week and have to wonder if UC Irvine might be next. Though 9-1, recent Anteater games have been a struggle, including vs. a very middling Towson and a Bakersfield side in a game far more competitive than the 82-66 final scoreline suggests. The 67-55 loss at Oregon State was a reminder to not get too carried away by the early successes, as the Beavers gradually pulled clear, controlling the glass 37-27 and limiting UCI to just 37% FG scooting. Belmont is arguably better than any team the Anteaters have faced, with superb balance (five DD scorers) led by Memphis transfer G Jonathan Pierre (13.6 ppg), and a five-game win streak featuring Pierre's 28 points in last Saturday's win over Richmond. Play Belmont