UCLA Bruins face Utah State Aggies in NCAA Tournament showdown

In the United States, on March 20, 2025, the UCLA Bruins and Utah State Aggies faced off in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, with the game taking place in Lexington, Kentucky at 9:25 p.m. EDT. The Bruins entered the game with a record of 22-10, having concluded their regular season with a 13-8 record in Big Ten games and performing well in non-conference play, boasting a 9-2 record. In contrast, the Aggies had a strong season in the Mountain West Conference (MWC) with a 26-7 record and a 16-6 mark against MWC teams. This matchup marked the first encounter between these two teams this season, heightening the stakes for both squads as they aimed to advance in the tournament. UCLA averaged 74.8 points per game during the season, outscoring their opponents by an average margin of 9.1 points. Notably, the Bruins were recognized for their strong defensive capabilities, ranking first in the Big Ten by allowing only 65.7 points per game while holding opponents to an average shooting percentage of 43.1%. On the offensive end, UCLA relied on players such as Dylan Andrews, who was averaging seven points and 3.3 assists, along with Tyler Bilodeau, who was noted for scoring 12.9 points and grabbing 4.2 rebounds over the last 10 games. On the other hand, the Utah State Aggies excelled offensively, averaging 80.9 points per game, which was 15.2 points more than what they allowed. The Aggies had key players including Ian Martinez, who averaged 16.8 points per game and Mason Falslev, who had 15.9 points over the last 10 games. Furthermore, Utah State led the MWC in assists per game at 17.4, showcasing their playmaking ability as they were paced by Drake Allen, who averaged 3.9 assists. As the match approached, sportsbooks set the line with UCLA favored by 5.5 points, while the over/under was estimated at 143.5 points. Both teams entered the tournament with hopes of making a deep run. The outcome of this game would not only determine who advances, but it would also reflect the strengths and weaknesses exhibited throughout the season by both teams. This matchup served as an exciting event in the NCAA Tournament, with fans eagerly anticipating the clash between these two competitive programs.