No. 12 UC San Diego Tritons faced off against No. 5 Michigan Wolverines on Thursday, March 20, 2025, in the first round of the NCAA Tournament in Denver, Colorado, marking a historic moment for both teams in March Madness. The Tritons made history as the first school to have both men's and women's teams qualify for the NCAA Tournament during their first year of Division I eligibility. Michigan, on the other hand, was looking to build on its successful campaign after winning the Big Ten tournament for the first time since 2018, demonstrating resilience after two years of absence from the tournament.
As the game tipped off at 10:00 p.m. ET, excitement filled the air at Ball Arena, where Michigan was considered the favorite against the underdog Tritons. UC San Diego had enjoyed a phenomenal season, boasting a 30-4 record and riding a 15-game winning streak into the tournament. Having defeated UC Irvine 75-61 to clinch the Big West Championship, they presented a formidable challenge for the Wolverines.
The Tritons ranked highly in offensive efficiency (57th) and defensive efficiency (30th), which showcased their ability to compete at a higher level, even against a Power Five conference team like Michigan. Additionally, UCSD had also been impressive against the spread, going 6-0 as underdogs this season and winning five out of those games outright. The Tritons were visibly hungry and eager to prove themselves on the national stage.
Despite Michigan's strong start, taking a 14-point lead into halftime, the second half saw a dramatic shift in momentum. Michigan began the second half in a lackluster manner, allowing UC San Diego to launch a 15-3 run, cutting the lead to just one point and putting pressure on the Big Ten champions. This change in tide created tension among Michigan fans as they pondered whether their team would relieve the pressure in the timely manner needed to secure a win.
Under the guidance of standout center Vlad Goldin, who led Michigan with 14 points, the Wolverines showcased their physicality inside. Goldin's formidable presence in the paint, combined with contributions from Danny Wolf and Tre Donaldson, was crucial in maintaining Michigan's lead amidst their struggles. Nevertheless, turnovers continued to plague the Wolverines, raising concern among fans and coaches alike. Michigan turned the ball over 14 times throughout the game, letting UCSD linger in the contest longer than they should have.
UC San Diego's defense adapted quickly, capitalizing on Michigan’s mistakes and forcing the Wolverines into uncomfortable situations. Meanwhile, Aniwaniwa Tait-Jones, one of the Tritons' key players, demonstrated his leadership with admirable persistence in attacking the rim and getting to the free-throw line. Tait-Jones had a remarkable night and led all scorers with his exceptional skill set.
However, despite UCSD's efforts, Michigan managed to cling to a slim advantage. With critical plays down the stretch, including a key three-pointer from Tre Donaldson, the Wolverines secured a narrow 68-65 victory. This win allowed Michigan to advance to the Round of 32, where they will face the 4-seed Texas A&M on Saturday.
This thrilling matchup served to highlight the unpredictability of March Madness, where anything can happen. As Michigan looks to build upon this hard-fought win, UC San Diego, although left disappointed, showcased potential that could carry into future seasons, making them a team to watch in the upcoming years. Their journey throughout this tournament signifies hope and development, a promising ascent for a team that recently transitioned to Division I competition.
