UC San Diego’s coach, Eric Olen, was confident about his team’s potential this season, yet the Tritons have exceeded expectations. Just five years ago, the team was competing in Division II, and the cancellation of their tournament due to the pandemic might have prevented them from securing a national title. Since then, they’ve transitioned to Division I, and in their first year of NCAA Tournament eligibility, they captured the Big West Tournament title to secure a spot in the big dance.
This success has brought excitement to Southern California and potentially some concern to Michigan’s area. The Tritons have secured the No. 12 seed in the South Region, setting up an intriguing matchup against the Big Ten champion, Michigan, renowned for unpredictable 5-12 clashes that often result in unexpected early exits.
“This season has been remarkable, you know?” said Olen, who has been steering UC San Diego since 2013 when it was a modest Division II program. “Our players deserve every bit of recognition they’ve received. I anticipated a strong season, but to be in this position has surpassed what I thought was possible, competing at this high level for so long.”
Riding a 15-game winning streak, the Tritons are imbued with confidence as they face Michigan on Thursday in Denver. They have already showcased their tenacity by nearly defeating No. 11 seed San Diego State in one of their few losses this season. UC San Diego guard Hayden Gray, a contender for the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year, said, “Teams don’t accidentally win 30 games. We’ll step onto the court confidently and challenge them to stop us.”
The Tritons face a significant challenge, as Michigan’s lineup includes towering players like 7-foot-1 center Vladislav Goldin and 7-foot power Danny Wolf. Coach Dusty May’s team thrives too, having dismantled Purdue, Maryland, and Wisconsin in the Big Ten Tournament. Despite this, history shows No. 12 seeds have woven victory 55 times since the tournament expanded in 1985, with two such upsets occurring just last year.
“The strategy doesn’t change. The key elements will be on display before the game,” Tritons player Aniwaniwa Tait-Jones noted. “We plan to remain true to our style of play.”
In the West Region, Memphis faces a parallel scenario, disappointed with their No. 5 seed standing after triumphing in the American Athletic Tournament. Their first matchup is against Colorado State, champions of the Mountain West Tournament. Led by PJ Haggerty, the Tigers have enough experience to overcome various NCAA teams, yet they’ve shown vulnerability in unexpected losses.
Colorado State’s coach, Niko Medved, expressed admiration, saying, “What an incredible journey for this team. Their story of resilience and unity will endure and stand testimony to the power of teamwork and focus.”
In the East Region, Oregon’s complex journey earned them a No. 5 seed. The Ducks experienced ups and downs throughout the season but eventually locked horns with Michigan State in the Big Ten Tournament. They now face No. 12 seed Liberty, who topped the Conference USA but hasn’t played against a single Quad 1 opponent.
Meanwhile, in the Midwest Region, coach Will Wade guided No. 12 seed McNeese back to the NCAA Tournament. Their first opponent is familiar territory: Clemson. The No. 5 seed Tigers, boasting 18 ACC wins, will meet the Cowboys in Providence, Rhode Island. For Wade, it’s a nostalgic connection, having begun his career there.
