LEXINGTON, Kentucky — The highly anticipated first-round matchup of the 2025 NCAA Tournament showcases the 10th-seeded Utah State Aggies (26-7) against the 7th-seeded UCLA Bruins (22-10) at Rupp Arena this Thursday evening. With tip-off set for 7:25 PM MDT, both teams are eager to make a statement in this year’s tournament.
It has been a long 23 years since Utah State last tasted victory in the NCAA Tournament. However, with a strong belief in their capabilities, the Aggies are determined to rewrite that narrative. “Obviously, last year we were very excited to break that (10-game losing) streak or drought, whatever you want to call it,” said USU guard Ian Martinez during a pre-game press conference. Martinez, who is averaging 16.8 points per game this season, expressed confidence in his team’s depth and talent. “We have the same goal this year, you know. We believe in our team. I think we have a lot of depth, we have a lot of great guys. We have the talent and the tools to get on a run.”
The Aggies made history last year by defeating TCU, 88-72, marking their first tournament victory since 2001. The team is now under the guidance of Jerrod Calhoun, who is noted for implementing a winning strategy that resulted in the Aggies’ remarkable growth. “We want to be disruptive defensively, but we want our guys to have great confidence on the offensive end. Our whole system is find, create, and keep advantages,” Calhoun remarked.
Utah State's success hinges significantly on the performance of Martinez and his teammate Mason Falslev, who is contributing 14.9 points per game. Both guards represent a potent scoring tandem for the Aggies. Calhoun highlighted how essential rebounding and pushing the pace will be if they are to succeed against UCLA. “Our best chance to beat the Bruins is to focus on rebounding the ball and pushing it in transition,” noted Martinez.
Meanwhile, UCLA arrives at this matchup energized, boasting a more seasoned roster. The Bruins not only possess a stout defense but have vastly improved their offensive game from previous seasons. Lead scorer Tyler Bilodeau, averaging 13.6 points per game, stepped into a pivotal role after transferring from Oregon State and has become a crucial asset while shooting 49.7% from the field. “This is a huge blessing for me,” said Bilodeau when discussing his transition to the Bruins. “Just being with this team has meant a lot for us and meant a lot to me.
The Bruins hinge their play style on solid man-to-man defense, a hallmark of the program under Coach Mick Cronin. While their defense remains formidable, it’s their improved offensive capabilities that could put them ahead of Utah State. Their depth allows multiple players, including sophomores Eric Dailey Jr. (11.6 ppg) and Sebastian Mack (10.0 ppg), to contribute effectively. This depth serves as an advantage in a high-pressure tournament setting.
While UCLA hasn't faced a team quite like the Aggies this season, the Bruins have had excellent preparation, rehearsing against similar defenses during the regular season. Conversely, Calhoun is wary of UCLA’s understanding of their unique defensive matchup zone, a strategy that draws inspiration from his connections to Rick Pitino and coaches from Cincinnati. “If there’s one coach that can prepare for it, it’s Coach Cronin,” he mentioned, alluding to the tactical battle that awaits them.
UCLA also boasts impressive size with 7-foot-3 center Aday Mara, who has proven advantageous in games where he plays significant minutes. Mara averages 60% from the field and poses a significant challenge for opponents. “He’s one of the best young players in college basketball,” Calhoun observed, recognizing the potential danger he presents the Aggies.
Utah State will need to guard against their recent struggles, having lost three of their last five games, including a tough outing against Colorado State. The health of key players, such as Karson Templin, who is navigating an ankle issue, adds an extra layer of uncertainty leading into the game. Templin’s condition could define USU’s interior play against a physically dominant UCLA team.
The stakes couldn't be higher as both teams vie for a chance to advance to the round of 32, where the winner will meet the victor of the afternoon game between No. 2 Tennessee and No. 15 Wofford. As the tournament unfolds, basketball fans eagerly anticipate the outcome of this thrilling first round.
With the tension building up to the game, both teams share a common goal: to etch their names in NCAA history as they navigate the exhilarating challenges of March Madness. Expect a fierce battle under the bright lights of Rupp Arena, where legacy and dreams collide in pursuit of the championship.
