Michigan basketball March Madness picks vs. UC San Diego: What Freep experts are saying
Michigan basketball returns to the NCAA tournament after a two-year absence from March Madness when it takes on 12th-seeded UC San Diego tonight (10 p.m., TBS). The Wolverines are a 5-seed, their best seed since earning a 1-seed in 2021.
Still, the 5-12 upset is a popular pick, with at least one 12-seed moving on to the second round in 33 of the 39 seasons since the tournament expanded to 64 teams in 1985. That’s far from a lock, as 5-seeds still have a 101-55 record in their openers — a .647 winning percentage — but it’s far from the tossup of an 8/9 matchup (in which the 9-seeds have actually won 51.9% of the first-round games).
So, will the Wolverines join the list of 5-seeds to falter in their NCAA tourney opener (following, most recently, Saint Mary’s and Wisconsin, which fell to Grand Canyon and James Madison, respectively, in last year’s tourney)?
Three Free Press sports writers have some thoughts on that:
Tony Garcia
Michigan is an astounding 11-1 in its past 12 games decided by two possessions or fewer, a testament to its ability to remain poised in key moments and execute in the clutch. UCSD has the longest winning streak of any team in the nation and is a tough matchup stylistically but doesn't have quite enough size to hang with U-M. The Tritons put a scare in the Wolverines, but as they've done all year, they simply find a way to survive and advance. Look for a big game from Wolf. The pick: U-M 75, UC San Diego 69.
Carlos Monarrez
The Tritons have a few things going for them. They have the country’s longest active winning streak (15 games), they’re 12-2 on the road and 5-0 at neutral sites. But the NCAA tournament isn’t just any neutral site, and winning a debut game against a tough Michigan team that has a coach with Final Four experience will be too much. But watch out for hot scorer Aniwaniwa Tait-Jones and guard Hayden Gray’s sticky defense. The pick: U-M 74, UC San Diego 67.
Shawn Windsor
Yeah, yeah, the Tritons are a popular pick to upset. They make 3-pointers. They force turnovers. The Wolverines rarely need forcing to turn it over. But the Wolverines have won a dozen close games and rediscovered their grit in Indianapolis. They found something. They aren't looking to lose it so quickly. The pick: U-M 74, UC San Diego 65.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan basketball March Madness predictions vs. UC San Diego
| 1d 6:08 AM ET ago |
Topics
-
Michigan basketball vs UC San Diego: Updates, highlights from NCAA tournament first round
No. 5 Michigan plays No. 12 UC San Diego in first round of March Madness trying to reach the next round of NCAA tournament. Follow for live updates.Yahoo Sports - 1d -
Michigan vs. UC San Diego odds, March Madness predictions: 2025 NCAA Tournament picks from proven model
The SportsLine Projection Model has revealed its UC San Diego vs. Michigan picks for the first round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament on ThursdayCBS Sports - 1d -
What channel is Michigan vs UC San Diego on today? Time, TV schedule for March Madness game
It's Michigan basketball vs UC San Diego in the 2025 March Madness bracket. Here's how to watch the NCAA tournament game, including time, channel, TV.Yahoo Sports - 1d -
When does Michigan play in March Madness? Date for game vs UC San Diego in Denver
Michigan basketball will face UC San Diego in the first round of March Madness. Here's what we know about when the game will be.Yahoo Sports - 5d -
March Madness 2025: How to watch the Michigan vs. UC San Diego NCAA tournament game tonight
Michigan will face UC San Diego in the NCAA Tournament First Round — here's the scoop on how to watch tonight's game.Yahoo Sports - 1d -
Who does Michigan play in March Madness? What to know about dangerous UC San Diego
Michigan basketball is set to play in the always-dangerous No. 5 vs. No. 12 matchup vs. UC San Diego. Here's what Michigan fans need to know:Yahoo Sports - 4d -
No. 5 seed Michigan holds off UC San Diego 68-65 in March Madness nailbiter
Michigan proved a bit too much for UC San Diego, escaping with a 68-65 win in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.Yahoo Sports - 1d -
Michigan basketball shorthanded for NCAA tournament opener vs UC San Diego
Sam Walters and Justin Pippen missed Big Ten tournament, but the hope was Michigan would be closer to full strength when March Madness started.Yahoo Sports - 1d -
March Madness 2025: How to watch the UC San Diego vs. Southern women's game tonight
UC San Diego plays Southern in the First Four of the NCAA women's basketball tournament — here's how to watch.Yahoo Sports - 2d
More from Yahoo Sports
-
Nebraska softball opens conference series against Minnesota with 8-0 shutout victory
Nebraska returned home to host Minnesota on Friday night. The Huskers shut down the Golden Gophers, delivering a swift 8-0 six-inning shutout win.Yahoo Sports - 27m -
Report: Steelers hosting Oklahoma State RB Ollie Gordon II for pre-draft visit
The Pittsburgh Steelers are bringing in power-running back Ollie Gordon II for pre-draft visit.Yahoo Sports - 27m -
Angel Reese offers advice to childhood friend playing in women's NCAA Tournament
Angel Reese isn't in the women's NCAA Tournament this year, but she offered advice to her childhood friend, Southern's Aniya Gourdine.Yahoo Sports - 27m -
Portland takes on Boston, looks for 5th straight victory
Yahoo Sports - 27m -
Portland takes on Boston, looks for 5th straight victory
Yahoo Sports - 27m
More in Sports
-
Nebraska softball opens conference series against Minnesota with 8-0 shutout victory
Nebraska returned home to host Minnesota on Friday night. The Huskers shut down the Golden Gophers, delivering a swift 8-0 six-inning shutout win.Yahoo Sports - 27m -
Report: Steelers hosting Oklahoma State RB Ollie Gordon II for pre-draft visit
The Pittsburgh Steelers are bringing in power-running back Ollie Gordon II for pre-draft visit.Yahoo Sports - 27m -
Angel Reese offers advice to childhood friend playing in women's NCAA Tournament
Angel Reese isn't in the women's NCAA Tournament this year, but she offered advice to her childhood friend, Southern's Aniya Gourdine.Yahoo Sports - 27m -
Cleveland takes on Utah, looks to halt 4-game skid
Yahoo Sports - 27m -
Oklahoma City faces Los Angeles on 5-game win streak
Yahoo Sports - 27m