March Madness First Round: #12 UC San Diego Faces #5 Michigan in Pivotal Clash
The #12 UC San Diego Tritons (30-4) face the #5 Michigan Wolverines (25-9) in a highly anticipated NCAA Tournament First Round matchup in Denver on Thursday at 10:00 PM ET.
Player crouching on basketball court
Current Odds:
- Michigan: -2.5 points (-108 at DraftKings)
- Moneyline: Michigan -120, UC San Diego +142
- Total: 142.5 points (Under -112)
Key Team Statistics:
UC San Diego:
- 30-4 overall record
- 27-7 ATS (Against The Spread)
- Ranked 6th nationally in defense (61.6 ppg allowed)
- #1 defensive rating (91.4)
- 15-game winning streak
- Led by Aniwaniwa Tait-Jones (19.5 ppg)
Michigan:
- 25-9 overall record
- 16-18 ATS
- Recent Big 10 Tournament champions
- First NCAA appearance under coach Dusty May
- Significant size advantage in the frontcourt
Analysis: Michigan enters as slight favorites despite UC San Diego's impressive resume. The Tritons' defensive prowess (6th nationally) meets Michigan's tournament-tested coach Dusty May, who led Florida Atlantic to a Final Four appearance two years ago. The game's pace will be critical, as UC San Diego prefers a slower tempo (271st in adjusted tempo).
Key Factors:
- Michigan's frontcourt size could be decisive
- UC San Diego's exceptional ATS record (14-1 with 4+ days rest)
- Both teams enter with momentum
- Late start time (10:00 PM ET) could impact performance
Predictions:
- Under 142.5 points (-112)
- Michigan -2.5 points (-108)
The game will be broadcast on TBS, with the winner advancing to face either Texas A&M or Yale in the next round.