2025 College Basketball Tournament RD 1 Preview - #10 Utah State vs. #7 UCLA: Can the Aggies upset the Bruins on Thursday night? March 20, 2025 by Marc Jerbs

The thrill of March Madness is here, and fans are eagerly awaiting a compelling first-round showdown between the No. 10 seed Utah State Aggies and the No. 7 seed UCLA Bruins. This highly anticipated matchup is set for March 20, 2025, at 9:25 PM EDT at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky. As both teams gear up for this crucial opening-round clash, several key factors and standout players will shape the game's dynamics.

Utah State enters the tournament with an impressive 26-7 record, finishing third in the Mountain West Conference with a 16-6 mark. Under head coach Jerrod Calhoun, the Aggies have showcased a potent offense, averaging 80.9 points per game—one of the best in the nation. However, they are coming off a tough loss in the Mountain West Tournament semifinals against Colorado State, where shooting struggles proved costly.

Utah State Aggies vs. UCLA Bruins Sports Bet Odds

The Bruins are the favorites to win the game. Here are our latest odds:

• The Bruins favored by 5.5 points, with a money line of -240.
• The Aggies are the underdogs 5.5 points, with a money line of +200.
• The over/under is set at 144 points, with the over at -115 and the under at -105.

Meanwhile, UCLA holds a 22-10 record, closing out the regular season with a 13-8 mark in the Big Ten. The Bruins are known for their defensive intensity, allowing just 65.7 points per game while leading the conference in steals. Like Utah State, they also enter the tournament on the heels of a recent loss, having fallen to Wisconsin in the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals.

For the Aggies, junior guard Ian Martinez has been a driving force, averaging 16.8 points per game while excelling under pressure. His scoring ability and playmaking skills will be crucial against UCLA's disciplined defense. Another key contributor is Mason Falslev, who averages 14.9 points and 2.3 steals per game, providing a two-way impact that could tip the scales in Utah State's favor.

UCLA counters with junior Tyler Bilodeau, who posts 13.6 points and 4.5 rebounds per game, often stepping up in pivotal moments. Dylan Andrews, the Bruins' assist leader with 3.3 per game, will play a vital role in orchestrating the offense. Defensively, Kobe Johnson is expected to be a key factor in disrupting Utah State's scoring rhythm.

Utah State Aggies vs. UCLA Bruins Injury Report

Utah State Aggies

PLAYER	POSITION	STATUS
No injury reported.

UCLA Bruins

PLAYER	POSITION	STATUS
Christian Horry	G	Questionable
Evan Manjikian	F	Questionable

This contest sets up an intriguing battle between Utah State's high-powered offense and UCLA's tenacious defense. The Aggies rely on sharp ball movement and efficient shooting, but they must limit turnovers to avoid playing into the Bruins' hands. On the other side, UCLA will look to dictate the pace through their defensive prowess, controlling the boards and preventing second-chance opportunities for Utah State.

With contrasting styles colliding, this matchup promises to be a fascinating chess match. Utah State's explosive scoring attack poses a significant challenge, while UCLA's defensive discipline will test the Aggies' execution. The Bruins' rich NCAA tournament history (11 national championships) contrasts with Utah State's emerging presence in recent years, adds another compelling layer to this showdown.

In the end, the outcome will hinge on execution in crucial moments. Whichever team can enforce its game plan and adjust on the fly will have the upper hand. With March Madness known for its unpredictability, fans should brace themselves for what could be a thrilling battle at Rupp Arena.

2024-25 Comparative Utah State vs. UCLA Regular Season Stats

Utah State Aggies 3rd MWC (15-5) Overall (26-7) Away (7-4) STRK L1	vs	UCLA Bruins 3rd Big Ten (13-7) Overall (22-10) Home (15-2) STRK L1
80.9	Points Per Game	74.8
34.6	Rebounds Per Game	32.7
17.4	Assists Per Game	16.3
8.6	Steals Per Game	8.1
10.7	Turnovers Per Game	10.6