(Image Credit: IMAGN) Dec 20, 2022; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego State Aztecs forward Keshad Johnson (0) shoots the ball over UC San Diego Tritons center Emmanuel Tshimanga (25) during the first half at Viejas Arena. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
San Diego, California – For the first time ever, San Diego is sending four teams to the NCAA Tournament, marking a historic moment for the city’s college basketball scene. Both San Diego State (SDSU) and UC San Diego (UCSD) men’s and women’s teams have punched their tickets to March Madness, setting up an exciting stretch for local fans.
UC San Diego’s men’s team is making its first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance in its inaugural year of postseason eligibility. The No. 12 Tritons will face No. 5 Michigan in the first round of the South Region on March 20 in Denver, Colorado. On the women’s side, UCSD just won the Big West Championship and will enter the tournament as a No. 16 seed, playing No. 13 Southern University in the First Four. A win would send them to Los Angeles to take on top-seeded UCLA.
Meanwhile, San Diego State’s men’s team is no stranger to the big dance. The No. 11 Aztecs will face No. 11 North Carolina on March 18 in Dayton, Ohio in the First Four. This marks their fifth straight NCAA Tournament appearance under head coach Brian Dutcher.
The SDSU women’s team is back in the tournament for the first time since 2012. As a No. 14 seed, they’ll take on No. 3 LSU in the first round on March 22 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. If they pull off the upset, they’ll face the winner of No. 6 Florida State vs. No. 11 George Mason.
With four teams representing San Diego on college basketball’s biggest stage, this March Madness is shaping up to be one for the history books.
