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Streaking UC San Diego Makes Tourney Debut in 12-5 Matchup with Michigan
DENVER — For the first time in three years, Michigan returns to the NCAA Tournament, while UC San Diego makes its historic first appearance on the big stage.
Wolverines Riding Momentum Into March Madness
Michigan (25-9) enters the South Region as the No. 5 seed after an impressive run to the Big Ten Tournament championship. However, history warns that the 12th seed is often a dangerous opponent, with frequent first-round upsets in this matchup.
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For senior Will Tschetter, the chance to play in March Madness is the realization of a lifelong goal.
“It’s every kid’s dream to play in March Madness. It was top of my list of the things that I wrote down when I was a little kid. I’m super thankful that dream is about to come true.” — Will Tschetter
The Wolverines have been revitalized under first-year head coach Dusty May, who arrived from Florida Atlantic and orchestrated a dramatic turnaround from last season’s 8-24 finish under Juwan Howard. Key to that transformation has been FAU transfer Vladislav Goldin, Michigan’s leading scorer at 16.7 points per game. Junior Danny Wolf contributes 13.1 points and a team-high 9.8 rebounds, while guard Tre Donaldson adds 11.6 points per game.
UC San Diego Ready to Prove It Belongs
The 12th-seeded Tritons (30-4) arrive in Denver as one of the hottest teams in the nation, riding a 15-game winning streak. They secured the Big West Tournament title and an automatic NCAA bid in their first season of eligibility after transitioning to Division I.
Coach Eric Olen built the Tritons’ roster strategically, utilizing the transfer portal to bring in key contributors from Division II. Guards Aniwaniwa Tait-Jones, Tyler McGhie, and Hayden Gray have led UC San Diego’s charge.
Tait-Jones averages 19.5 points per game and thrives as a physical inside scorer, while McGhie is a perimeter threat, hitting at least four three-pointers in 15 games this season. Gray, who averages 11.2 points, is also a finalist for the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year award.
“It’s my background coming from New Zealand. We’re tough down there. We’re strong. With rugby, I’m used to taking heavy knocks. Just being a dog.” — Aniwaniwa Tait-Jones
Key Matchup Factors
UC San Diego will rely on its matchup zone defense to counter Michigan’s size, as the Tritons lack a regular rotation player taller than 6-foot-8. However, UCSD boasts elite ball control, tying for the national lead with just 8.7 turnovers per game. In contrast, Michigan struggles with ball security, averaging 14.1 turnovers per contest.
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“We all have a point to prove. A lot of the guys weren’t heavily recruited. Now that we get to play on the stage in front of all these people and make the noise that we’re making, I think we just want to keep winning and keep proving people wrong.” — Aniwaniwa Tait-Jones
With UC San Diego looking to continue its Cinderella story and Michigan aiming to reassert itself on the national stage, this 12-5 matchup could be one to watch closely. Those analyzing college basketball predictions should pay attention to how the Wolverines handle the Tritons’ disciplined play and defensive pressure.
