The No. 7 seed UCLA Bruins are set to face the No. 10 seed Utah State Aggies in the first round of the 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky.
UCLA, with a record of 22-10, enters the tournament on a strong note, having secured victory in 11 of their last 15 games. Their strong defense has been a significant contributing factor, leading the Big Ten in scoring defense, allowing opponents only 65.7 points per game. The Bruins also rank first in the Big Ten in steals, averaging 8.1 per game, presenting a formidable challenge for their opponents.
In preparation for their opening game, Coach Mick Cronin expressed admiration for their first-round opponent, stating, “We’re playing a program that has 11 National Championships... a team that was coached by John Wooden.” He emphasized the importance of confidence and preparation, acknowledging UCLA’s strong basketball legacy against a school with such a storied history.
The Bruins’ season performance has included remarkable individual feats, highlighted by junior Tyler Bilodeau, who has averaged 13.6 points and 4.5 rebounds per game while shooting nearly 50% from the field. Additionally, senior guard Kobe Johnson has proven to be an essential part of the team, earning Big Ten All-Defensive Team honors.
Meanwhile, the Utah State Aggies, who hold a 26-7 record, present a fierce challenge with their recent successes. The Aggies also participated in the NCAA Tournament following their triumph in the Mountain West, even though they lost to the Colorado State Rams in the semifinals of the conference tournament.
Utah State’s Coach Jerrod Calhoun has been vocal about his squad’s readiness, stating, “It’s a game of basketball, it’s a game of runs... you gotta have confidence and realize you’re supposed to be there.” In anticipation of the matchup, Calhoun pointed out the strength of his team and the importance of mental readiness against a powerhouse like UCLA.
The game will be broadcast live on TNT, with a projected start time of 7:25 PM MT (9:25 PM ET). Fans can expect to catch the action on various cable providers, including Dish, DIRECTV, and Xfinity.
UCLA is no stranger to the NCAA Tournament. The Bruins have participated for the 53rd time, a historic feat that underscores their long-standing presence in college basketball. Their previous meetings with Utah State include a notable 75-50 win during the 2001 NCAA Tournament, emphasizing their competitive edge over the Aggies.
Perspectives on Both Teams:
As the anticipation builds for the matchup, different narratives unfold. For UCLA, the focus lies on their current form and defensive capability, which could serve as their ticket to advancing past the first round. For Utah State, entering as underdogs, the Aggies are keen on proving their mettle in a tournament where anything is possible.
Skyy Clark, a critical piece for UCLA, has faced personal challenges this season, but he remains focused on contributing to his team’s chances for success. His father’s health struggles have driven Skyy beyond the court; despite these personal battles, Coach Cronin has praised him, stating, “Skyy's a tough-ass kid.” This resilience could be pivotal in the high-stakes environment of March Madness.
From the preparation activities leading to the tournament—practices, film sessions, and travel logistics—to the emotional aspects of competing on such a grand stage, both teams are gearing up for what promises to be an exciting start to the 2025 NCAA Tournament. With the unpredictability of March Madness upon them, each team must stay grounded in their game plans while nourishing a belief that they can emerge victorious.
As the clock ticks down to tip-off in Lexington, one thing is certain: the stakes are high, and both teams are prepared to bring their A-game to this critical tournament showdown.
Will UCLA continue their legacy and push toward a deep NCAA run, or will Utah State rise to the occasion and pull off an upset? Only time will tell.
