Who the heck is UC San Diego? That’s what many people could be googling in the upcoming weeks…and for some, as well “what is even a Triton?” As we grow closer and closer to March, teams are beginning to show promise for making the tournament. Every year we all look for which team will be our darling.
Though we have another week until March officially, I want to throw UC SAN DIEGO’s hat in the ring. Out of the Big West conference, they’re 23–4 so far and sit 40th in Kenpom, ahead of big names like UNC, Memphis, West Virginia, and San Diego State while on the tail of New Mexico.
But it’s not just a flashy record and decent rating that can pique your interest in this little Cali school. How about this instead: this is their first year eligible for the tournament, and they were Division II just a mere four years ago. They went into the portal grabbing guys from the D2 level…to boys not getting time with the big-time schools. And they weren’t just doing that; they also brought in an international flavor from New Zealand, Austria, and others. Plus, they are freakin’ called the Tritons…now that is badass enough to jump on this bandwagon.
Okay, you’re still on the fence? Let’s talk watchability, right? St. Peter’s had it; VCU and Butler did too back in the day. So what makes them fun to watch? Well how does 80.4 points per game type of shit sound! These boys LOVE to move it up and down the court.
Then you got a dude named Hayden Gray who averages 3.5 steals per game!
Let’s then introduce you to their international flavor and two potential all-NCAA name teamers.
Now, remember: we can’t fall too far yet for these Tritons…most likely needing to make it, they will need the auto-bid. And in the shadows there are the Anteaters of Irvine…yes, I said Anteaters (they may also be a Cinderella of interest; I will cover that for you)—a 20-win team. Then there’s the 19-win Cal State Northridge Matadors. Yes, at this point I understand you are thinking I’ve tricked you into believing my EA team builder squads are real and I’ve made this whole story up. NOPE…it’s just Big West basketball.
We need Cinderellas to believe in it’s what makes March so special to us we all have our fond memories of believing in the little mid majors. So now maybe you’ll check out some Big West basketball when conference tournament week comes. But let’s all get with the program and root for the Tritons in March!
Bet Recap: Marquette sold from the clean sweep, 3-1 and Kispert over was nice!
Bet(s) of the Day
02-22
Hawaii - UC San Diego over 138 -110
Illinois +10 -112
Oregon +8.5
Charleston -1.5 +100
West Virginia - Texas Tech over 135.5 -110
Iowa State +12.5 -118