Game Details:
- Date & Time: Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 10:00 p.m. ET
- Location: Ball Arena, Denver, Colorado
- Broadcast: TBS
- Betting Odds:
- Point Spread: Michigan -2.5
- Moneyline: Michigan -148 | UC San Diego +124
- Over/Under: 142.5 points
Michigan Wolverines Overview (25-9, 14-6 Big Ten)
The Michigan Wolverines enter the NCAA Tournament as the No. 5 seed in the South Region. Michigan averages 78.3 points per game while allowing 71.2 points per game. They bring a balanced offensive attack, anchored by their inside presence and playmakers.
Key Players:
- Vladislav Goldin (16.7 PPG): Michigan’s leading scorer and dominant force in the paint.
- Tre Donaldson (4.2 APG): Facilitates the offense and keeps the team organized.
- Danny Wolf (9.8 RPG): Key rebounder and physical presence on both ends.
Michigan Betting Trends:
- ATS Record: 16-18-0 (47.1%)
- Inconsistent against the spread, particularly when facing disciplined defenses.
UC San Diego Tritons Overview (30-4, 18-2 Big West)
UC San Diego earned the No. 12 seed after an outstanding season in the Big West Conference. Known for their tough defense and efficient offense, they average 79.8 points per game while holding opponents to 61.6 points per game.
Key Players:
- Aniwaniwa Tait-Jones (19.5 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 3.7 APG): The Tritons’ do-it-all leader, contributing across the board.
- Hayden Gray (3.2 SPG): Defensive standout, key in forcing turnovers.
UC San Diego Betting Trends:
- ATS Record: 24-7-0 (77.4%)
- One of the best ATS records in the field.
Key Matchups to Watch:
- Turnover Battle:
Michigan struggles with ball security (bottom 40 nationally), while UC San Diego forces turnovers at an elite rate (4th nationally in turnovers forced per possession). Hayden Gray will be key in disrupting Michigan’s offense. - Perimeter Shooting:
UC San Diego’s proficient three-point shooting could be decisive. Michigan’s perimeter defense, ranked 40th nationally, will need to step up to contain the Tritons’ shooters.
Betting Angles & Trends:
- Against the Spread (ATS):
- Michigan: 16-18-0 ATS (47.1%)
- UC San Diego: 24-7-0 ATS (77.4%)
- Over/Under Trends:
- Michigan: Over in 16 of 31 games (51.6%)
- UC San Diego: Over in 13 of 34 games (38.2%)
The total set at 142.5 points reflects both teams’ offensive efficiency, with potential for a higher-scoring game.
Expert Predictions & Best Bets:
🔥 Best Bet: Over 142.5 (-110)
💰 Lean: UC San Diego +2.5 (-110)
🎯 Prop Bet: Aniwaniwa Tait-Jones Over 20.5 points
Final Thoughts: Michigan Wolverines vs. UC San Diego Tritons Preview
This matchup presents a fascinating clash between Michigan’s inside-out offense and UC San Diego’s disruptive defense. Michigan is favored, but the Tritons’ defensive pressure and three-point shooting give them real upset potential. Bettors should target the Over and look for value on UC San Diego covering the spread.
