The NCAA Tournament’s March Madness has produced thrilling moments and heartbreak as teams continue to vie for a chance at a national title. On March 20, 2025, the Utah State men’s basketball team faced off against seventh-seeded UCLA in a first-round game at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky. Unfortunately for the Aggies, the matchup resulted in a season-low output of just 47 points. UCLA dominated throughout, securing a decisive 72-47 victory over the tenth-seeded Aggies, marking a disappointment for a team that had made it to the tournament with hopes for a longer run.
In speaking to reporters post-game, first-year Utah State head coach Jerrod Calhoun pointed to UCLA's defensive strength, saying, “They are an elite defensive team, but I thought in the first half, they made shots. This time of year is about shot-making, right? And when you don’t make shots, it affects your defense.” Calhoun further analyzed the struggles of his team, noting, “We let that happen tonight,” referring to their inability to convert opportunities into points.
Sophomore guard Mason Falslev stood out for the Aggies, scoring 17 points while also securing 10 rebounds, three assists, and two steals. Unfortunately for Utah State, their shooting woes were glaring—they finished the game with a dismal 12.9% from beyond the arc, hitting only four of their 31 attempts. Meanwhile, UCLA was firing on all cylinders, converting 41.7% of their three-point attempts with ten successful shots out of 24 tries. This stark contrast in shooting led to the definitive outcome.
With this loss, the Mountain West Conference remains winless in this year's NCAA Tournament, now boasting an 0-2 record. The conference’s last representatives, Colorado State and New Mexico, were scheduled to play on March 21, 2025. Fans are hoping for a turnaround as they cheer for both teams.
On the horizon for Utah State, the challenges may not cease with this loss. Coach Calhoun spoke of the team’s future, reflecting on recent developments in NCAA athletics and the need for growth within the program. He stated, “One thing we’ve learned is we’ve got to get bigger ... we’ve got to spend more money in the NIL to get a forward, to get a center, to get athletic guys.” This comment underscores the increasing importance of financial resources in building competitive college teams.
In other March Madness news, College Sports Network recently listed five potential NBA fits for San Diego State’s Magoon Gwath, a standout freshman. After a stellar debut collegiate season, speculations about his early NBA draft entry swirl as the narrative around him builds. The NCAA regular season champions, New Mexico Lobos, are set to face Marquette—also on March 21. This game will undoubtedly bring more excitement and anticipation to the tournament as fans await the outcome.
Additionally, it was announced that the Mountain West conference has recognized its top players, revealing first and second team honors for the season on March 21, 2025. Individual awards are expected to follow later in the day. This moment of recognition offers a chance to celebrate the achievements of the athletes who have made the season memorable despite the ups and downs of tournament play.
Looking forward, teams like Colorado State's head coach Niko Medved are not only focused on the current season but are being considered for greater coaching opportunities due to their performance and reputation. Medved, recognized for his leadership, has positioned himself as a sought-after candidate for bigger programs amidst the ongoing developments in college basketball.
As March Madness unfolds, the intensity will only grow. Coaches, players, and fans will be watching closely as the remaining teams push toward their collective goals, whether that be winning the national championship or making deep runs in the tournament. Keep an eye on these developments as the thrilling madness of March continues to captivate fans nationwide.
