As the NCAA's March Madness heats up, a much-anticipated matchup is taking place in the National Invitation Tournament (NIT). The Utah Valley Wolverines, who have had a strong season, face off against the San Francisco Dons in what promises to be an exhilarating game. This showdown will occur on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at 11 p.m. ET at the War Memorial at the Sobrato Center in San Francisco, California.
The Wolverines, boasting a record of 25-8 and finishing the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) season with an impressive 17-2 mark, come into this game after an unexpected loss to Grand Canyon. The San Francisco Dons, also having a strong season with a record of 24-9 and a 14-6 record in the West Coast Conference (WCC), are looking to redeem themselves after a recent 85-76 defeat against Gonzaga.
San Francisco has the advantage of being a formidable home team, holding a 16-1 record at home this season, with the only loss coming against Gonzaga at the Chase Center. This has made them a tough opponent to beat on their court. The Dons are favored by 7.5 points in this matchup, reflecting confidence in their ability to succeed.
Utah Valley’s season included a remarkable 15-1 in WAC play, making them a notable contender. However, a closer examination of their record indicates they may not have faced the toughest competition, which raises questions regarding how they will perform against a tougher opponent like the Dons. They struggled against non-conference teams, compiling a 5-7 record against them, with their average loss being by 14.8 points against opponents such as James Madison, Stanford, North Dakota State, and Samford.
Conversely, San Francisco has proven its mettle against stronger competition, currently holding the 10th spot in the RPI rankings compared to the WAC’s 22nd place. San Francisco’s strength is anchored by their ability to rebound, averaging 23.3 defensive boards per game, led by Tyrone Riley IV with 4.2 rebounds per game.
One of the key players to watch for San Francisco is Malik Thomas, who averages 19.3 points per game, providing a consistent scoring threat. Even without their second-leading scorer and lead playmaker Marcus Williams, who is currently ineligible, the Dons have shown resilience. Ryan Beasley has stepped up, averaging 21 points, 4 assists, and 2 steals during the WCC Championship. This adaptability under pressure speaks volumes about the coaching of Chris Gerlufsen and the team's overall depth.
On the other hand, Utah Valley's strength lies in their assists, leading the WAC with an average of 15.8 per game, led by Trevan Leonhardt at 5.2 assists per game. Dominick Nelson and Tanner Toolson will need to capitalize on any opportunities to score. Toolson comes into the game boasting an impressive average of 17.9 points over the last ten games, indicating he can be a major contributor in this critical matchup.
Both teams have displayed strong defensive metrics; however, they differ in approach. Utah Valley ranks 91st in adjusted defensive efficiency, while San Francisco is 25th in the same metric, showcasing their efficiency in limiting opponent scoring chances.
As fans prepare for the game, the excitement builds. The matchup will not only determine who advances further in the NIT but will also be a clash of styles between two competitive programs and a test of who can assert their will on the court. With the stakes high, this game promises to deliver an electrifying atmosphere, especially with the Dons' home-court advantage.
The over/under for the game is set at 145.5 points, which reflects the offensive capabilities both teams possess. San Francisco tends to lean into its defensive strengths, while Utah Valley will look to leverage their efficiency in scoring. Expect a game filled with strategic play and key performances that could lean in favor of either team.
For those looking to catch the action, the game will be broadcast live on ESPNU and streamed on Fubo. With a tip-off time of 11 p.m. ET, basketball enthusiasts will be glued to their screens, awaiting the result of this exciting matchup. Fans will be watching closely to see how the Wolverines respond to the pressure of facing a higher-ranked opponent and whether the Dons can harness their home-court strength to advance in the tournament.
