James Hawkins of The Detroit News breaks down Michigan’s NCAA Tournament first-round matchup against UC San Diego. ▶ Tipoff: 10 p.m. Thursday, Ball Arena, Denver ▶ Records: Michigan 25-9, No. 5 seed; UC San Diego 30-4, No. 12 seed ▶ Next: Winner of the game between No. 4 Texas A&M (22-10) and No. 13 Yale (22-7).

Vladislav Goldin and Michigan proved a bit too much for UC San Diego when the Russian center scored 14 points and the fifth-seeded Wolverines overcame Tyler McGhie’s 25 points to escape with a 68-65 win in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

Auburn entered the NCAA tournament as one of the one seeds and a favorite among many to cut down the nets in San Antonio. The Tigers captured the SEC regular season title in a loaded conference and have used strong second halves to make the second week of the tournament.

The Detroit News writers predict the outcome of Thursday’s NCAA Tournament game between Michigan and UC San Diego.

The first day of March Madness is winding down, but there are still some solid games to be played! One of the final showdowns of the day will be between No. 5 Michigan and No. 12 UC San Diego. Michigan punched their ticket to the big dance this season after missing the tournament in the past two.

Madness picks, predictions, odds for UC San Diego vs Michigan first-round South Region game on Thursday, March 20, 2025.

Consider this: Michigan played three Quad 1 games in a row to win the Big Ten Tournament. That matches the number of Quad 1 games UC San Diego played all season. The Tritons split a pair of close games on the road against eventual NCAA Tournament teams, losing at play-in loser San Diego State and winning at 10 seed Utah State.

What channel is the UC San Diego vs. Southern game on ... Sling doesn't offer a free trial these days, and March Madness lasts longer than your standard trial would. It's still a solid option ...