UC San Diego Tritons’ Comeback Falls Short in 68-65 Loss to Michigan – NCAA Tournament Recap

​The UC San Diego Tritons' valiant comeback effort came just short, as the Tritons fell to the Michigan Wolverines, 68-65, in the opening round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament. There were other reasons, too, outside of the sport itself: It was the Tritons' first trip to the NCAA Tournament since transitioning from Division II to Division I. ​

A Historic Season for UC San Diego

The 2024-2025 season was a landmark year for the UC San Diego men's basketball program. The Tritons clinched The Big West Championship, earning an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. They entered the tournament as a No. 12 seed with an impressive 30-4 record, reflecting their dominance throughout the season. Their defensive prowess was particularly noteworthy, leading the nation in turnover margin (+7.2) and ranking second in steals per game (8.7).

The Matchup: UC San Diego vs. Michigan

Facing the No. 5 seed Michigan Wolverines, a team with a storied basketball history, the Tritons were considered underdogs. Michigan boasted a 25-9 record and had secured the Big Ten Tournament title, showcasing their strength and experience on the national stage. ​

First Half: Michigan's Dominance

The game commenced with Michigan asserting control early on. The Wolverines initiated a 10-0 run, capitalizing on their size advantage and defensive intensity. Their interior presence, led by center Vladislav Goldin, posed significant challenges for the Tritons. Goldin contributed 14 points and seven rebounds, effectively anchoring Michigan's offense in the paint. ​

UC San Diego struggled to find their rhythm in the opening minutes, facing a stout Michigan defense that limited their scoring opportunities. The Tritons' leading scorer, Aniwaniwa Tait-Jones, encountered early foul trouble, which hampered his ability to influence the game offensively. Despite these setbacks, UC San Diego managed to stabilize their performance midway through the half, but Michigan maintained a 14-point lead at halftime, with the score at 41-27. ​

Second Half: The Tritons' Resilient Comeback

Emerging from the halftime break, the Tritons showcased remarkable resilience and determination. They implemented defensive adjustments that disrupted Michigan's offensive flow, leading to turnovers and transition opportunities. UC San Diego embarked on a 17-4 run, narrowing the deficit to a single point at 45-44. ​

Senior guard/forward Tyler McGhie spearheaded the comeback, delivering a stellar performance with 25 points, including crucial three-pointers that energized the Tritons and their supporters. His sharpshooting and leadership were instrumental in shifting the game's momentum. ​

However, the Wolverines responded with a 14-5 run, reestablishing a double-digit lead. Undeterred, UC San Diego continued to battle, orchestrating a 16-4 run to seize their first lead of the game at 65-63 with just over two minutes remaining. ​

Final Moments: Michigan Holds Firm

under pressure became evident. Guard Tre Donaldson hit a pivotal three-pointer, reclaiming the lead for the Wolverines at 66-65. Despite the Tritons' relentless efforts to regain the advantage, Michigan's defense held firm. Goldin secured critical rebounds, and his two free throws with 19.3 seconds left extended the lead to 68-65. ​

UC San Diego had a final opportunity to force overtime, but Michigan's defense effectively contested their last shot attempt, sealing the victory for the Wolverines. The Tritons' comeback, though valiant, ultimately fell just short.​

Postgame Reflections

Despite the loss, UC San Diego's performance garnered widespread respect and admiration. Their ability to compete toe-to-toe with a higher-seeded opponent in their first NCAA Tournament appearance highlighted the program's rapid ascent and potential for future success.​

Head coach Eric Olen expressed immense pride in his team's effort and resilience, stating, "Our guys showed incredible heart and determination. We faced a formidable opponent and never backed down. This experience will serve as a foundation for our program's future."​

Michigan's head coach also acknowledged the Tritons' tenacity, noting that UC San Diego's defensive schemes and relentless energy posed significant challenges for the Wolverines.​

Looking Ahead

The Tritons' historic season has set a new standard for UC San Diego basketball. Their transition to Division I has been marked by swift success, and their NCAA Tournament performance suggests a bright future.​

As they reflect on this season, the Tritons aim to build upon their achievements, focusing on recruiting, player development, and sustaining a culture of excellen.