UCLA Bruins Face Utah State in NCAA Tournament Clash

LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — The No. 7 seed UCLA Bruins are set to battle the No. 10 seed Utah State Aggies in the first round of the 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament on March 20 at Rupp Arena. The matchup, scheduled for 9:25 p.m. ET, promises a clash of contrasting styles, with allegations of an upset looming.

UCLA enters the tournament with a record of 26-7, built upon a defense-first mentality. The Bruins have excelled at slowing down games and enforcing a grueling pace, which has become their hallmark under Coach Mick Cronin. On the other hand, Utah State (22-10) thrives on a high-octane offensive approach led by new head coach Jerrod Calhoun.

“This is what the NCAA Tournament is about — backing styles against each other,” Cronin said. “We’re focused on executing our game plan and maintaining our defensive identity against a fast-paced opponent.”

For Utah State, the stakes are high. The team’s junior guard, Ian Martinez, has been critical to their success averaging 16 points per game. Martinez’s ability to navigate UCLA’s disciplined defense could provide the crucial edge the Aggies need. “We know they’re a tough defensive team, but we’re prepared,” Martinez noted. “We’ve studied their zone defense and are ready to hit those open shots.”

The Bruins’ success will hinge on Tyler Bilodeau’s performance, who has the ability to stretch the floor with his range, shooting 40% from beyond the arc. “If we can get Bilodeau rolling, it opens everything for us,” Cronin said. “He can pull defenders out, which might just give us the spacing we need inside.”

The first round tips off amid high expectations, as both teams aim to advance in the tournament. UCLA aims for a solid stop in the next stage but faces a determined Utah State squad eager to upset the odds.

Fans anticipating the matchup can catch all the action on TNT. The NCAA has confirmed that all games throughout the tournament will be broadcast on CBS Sports, TBS, TNT, or truTV, ensuring comprehensive coverage for college basketball followers.