#12 UC San Diego vs #5 Michigan NCAAB Pick: A First Round Upset Brewing? (Mar 20)

• UC San Diego clinched the Big West Conference with a 72-65 win over UC Irvine.
• Michigan won vs Illinois 82-78, earning their 3rd conference championship in 5 years.
• These two teams have not met making this matchup their first encounter.

The #12 seed UC San Diego Tritons are set to face the #5 seed Michigan Wolverines in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Mar. 20, at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. This matchup pits the Big West champions against the Big Ten champions, offering an intriguing clash of styles and a potential upset narrative.

Can The Tritons Pull Off An Upset?

The Tritons have enjoyed a remarkable season, boasting a 30-4 record and dominating the Big West Conference. Their offense is characterized by efficient ball movement and a high three-point shooting percentage, making them a formidable opponent.

Senior forward Aniwaniwa Tait-Jones leads the team with an average of 19.5 points per game, showcasing versatility in scoring both inside and beyond the arc.

Defensively, UC San Diego employs a disciplined approach, limiting opponents to low shooting percentages and controlling the tempo of the game. To secure an upset against Michigan, the Tritons will need to maintain their shooting efficiency and capitalize on any defensive lapses by the Wolverines.

The Wolverines Need To Press The Gas

Michigan enters the tournament with a 25-9 record, having navigated a challenging Big Ten schedule. Their offense is anchored by dominant interior play, with senior center Hunter Dickinson averaging 17.2 points and 8.5 rebounds per game.

The Wolverines’ defense is robust, particularly in the paint, where they have effectively limited opponents’ scoring opportunities.

However, their perimeter defense has shown vulnerabilities, which could be a concern against a proficient three-point shooting team like UC San Diego. To avoid an early exit, Michigan will need to assert its dominance inside while improving its perimeter defense to counter the Tritons’ shooting prowess.

UC San Diego Tritons vs Michigan Wolverines Pick

Michigan is favored by 2.5 points in this matchup, with an over/under set at 142.5 points. While the Wolverines’ experience in high-pressure games gives them an edge, the Tritons’ efficient offense and three-point shooting present a legitimate upset threat. If UC San Diego can exploit Michigan’s perimeter defense and maintain their shooting accuracy, they have a strong chance to cover the spread and potentially secure a historic victory.