On March 16, 2025, the UC San Diego Tritons made history by defeating the UC Irvine Anteaters 75-61, clinching their first Big West Conference tournament championship and securing their inaugural berth in the NCAA tournament. This landmark victory signifies not just the success of the Tritons but also exemplifies their meteoric rise after transitioning from Division II just five years ago.
Although UC San Diego faced some stiff competition throughout the tournament, they showcased their prowess, having dominated the regular season with 18 wins out of 20 conference games. The excitement from the crowd was palpable as thousands watched the Tritons claim victory, their efforts culminating after years of hard work and dedication.
Hayden Gray was the star of the night, knocking down six of his seven 3-point attempts and finishing the game with 22 points. His shooting accuracy proved pivotal, particularly during key moments of the match where UC San Diego needed to distinguish themselves from their opponents. "We really came together as a team, and I’m just so grateful to be part of this moment," said Gray post-game, reflecting on the achievement.
The game began with intensity, with both teams exchanging leads throughout the first half. UC Irvine took the lead at halftime, narrowly edging UC San Diego 33-31. Yet, the Tritons came out firing after the break, outscoring their rivals 44-28 to clinch the championship. This powerful second-half performance demonstrated UC San Diego's resilience and determination to win.
Leading up to this moment, UC San Diego had faced the UC Santa Barbara Gauchos on March 15, 2025, where they triumphed 69-51. That semifinal game illustrated UC San Diego’s tenacity as they overcame early challenges. Coach Joe Pasternak of UC Santa Barbara praised his team’s efforts saying, "I think our guys competed to exhaustion... UC San Diego is a great team, and I think for 32 minutes we played excellently." It was clear from his remarks how significant the competition had been for both teams.
During their semifinal match against UC Santa Barbara, the Tritons faced challenges as well, trailing at times. They rallied together with renewed vigor, demonstrated by scorers like Tait-Jones and McGhie, who contributed significantly alongside Gray, ensuring UC San Diego found their rhythm before the finals.
UC San Diego’s victory not only feels triumphant on personal and team levels since this is the first time they’ll be representing their institution at the NCAA tournament, but it also holds broader significance for the school and its supporters. The triumph symbolizes the culmination of hard work after moving up from Division II. Since joining the Big West Conference, UC San Diego has showcased its ambition and determination, culminating now with this championship win.
This victory places UC San Diego among the elite teams as they head toward the NCAA tournament with high hopes. The Tritons’ roster and staff reflect the spirit of non-stop dedication and willingness to rise to the occasion. Their fans are certainly buzzing with anticipation as they ready themselves for this next challenge.
On the other hand, UC Irvine also had commendable moments during the game, with players like Hohn and Tillis showcasing their own remarkable skills, scoring 18 and 12 points respectively. They fought hard throughout the season, showcasing impressive teamwork and determination, but on this night, it was UC San Diego’s show.
The attendance of 2,632 at the Big West Championship highlighted the increasing support for college basketball, as fans enjoy intensely competitive matchups providing dynamism and unforgettable moments. With the Tritons now poised to enter the NCAA tournament, expectations will rise, and their supporters are hopeful for their success on this larger stage.
UC San Diego will enter the tournament as fresh faces, but they'll just have to stick to their proven strategy of teamwork and sharpshooting as they look to make significant strides. Their performance will hinge not only on individual skills but also on how well they can execute under pressure, particularly as they encounter new opponents at the national level.
Now, all eyes will be on the Tritons to see how they fare against leading programs—can they maintain the winning momentum? The excitement around their first chance at national tournament glory is palpable, with fans and players alike eager to embrace this new chapter of success.