Date: Friday, March 22
Time: 1:45pm, ET
Arena: Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena, Spokane, Wash
The NCAA Tournament is here, and the echoes of San Diego State’s magical run to the National Championship game last year still resonate. Now, the battle-tested Aztecs hungry for a repeat performance, lock horns with the up-and-coming UAB Blazers in a first-round East Region showdown. Buckle up for a clash of experience and resilience, with a San Diego State -6.5 pick offering a chance to solidify your bracket in the opening round!
UAB vs. San Diego State Prediction Breakdown
Here’s a breakdown of predictions for tonight’s UAB vs. San Diego State game using various models and factors:
Prediction Models:
| Model | UAB (Pts) | San Diego State (Pts) |
|---|---|---|
| KenPom | 70.0 | 77.5 |
| Sagarin | 71.9 | 79.2 |
| ESPN BPI | 70.1 | 78.4 |
| Haslametrics | 72.8 | 75.1 |
| Joe Lunardi’s Bracketology | 70.0 | 77.0 |
Pythagorean Expectation:
The Pythagorean expectation is a formula used to predict a team’s win-loss record based on points scored and allowed per game. It suggests a slight edge for San Diego State:
- UAB: 70.3 points
- San Diego State: 77.6 points
San Diego State: Ready to Reclaim the Glory
The Aztecs return with a core group from their historic run, including the buzzer-beating hero Lamont Butler. While Coach Brian Dutcher acknowledges the magic of March, the focus remains on fundamentals: “Control what we can control… We have to go out there and just play hard.” Leading the charge is the explosive Jaedon LeDee (21.1 ppg, 8.4 rpg), a third-team All-American ready to dominate the paint. Sure, they’ve stumbled recently, but Coach Dutcher emphasizes the unpredictable nature of the tournament: “There are no upsets… The hot hand wins.”
UAB Blazers: Finding Their Rhythm
Don’t underestimate the Blazers! UAB is on a tear, riding a five-game winning streak culminating in their American Athletic Conference championship victory. Coach Andy Kennedy marvels at his team’s growth: “They really started to trust and believe in one another.” Leading the pack is the versatile Yaxel Lendeborg, a double-double machine (13.9 ppg, 10.7 rpg) and the conference’s Defensive Player of the Year. Supported by a balanced scoring attack featuring Eric Gaines, Alejandro Vasquez, and Efrem “Butta” Johnson, UAB presents a well-rounded threat.
Why San Diego State (-6.5) is Your Bracket’s Best Friend
While UAB’s hot streak can’t be ignored, San Diego State has the edge in several key areas:
- Experience: The Aztecs boast a core group seasoned by last year’s deep run. They understand the pressure and know how to win in March.
- Defense: San Diego State is renowned for its stifling defense, a key factor in their past success.
- Jaedon LeDee: LeDee’s explosiveness and versatility make him a matchup nightmare for UAB.
Conclusion: Aztecs Poised for Takeoff!
This first-round matchup promises a thrilling clash. UAB’s hot streak and balanced scoring are a force to be reckoned with. However, San Diego State’s battle-tested veterans, suffocating defense, and the unstoppable force of LeDee make them a tough nut to crack. With the chance to solidify your bracket in the opening round, San Diego State (-6.5) is the safer bet. So, buckle up, college basketball fans! Get ready to witness the Aztecs take flight, fueled by experience, and defensive dominance. This could be the start of another unforgettable March Madness run for San Diego State.
PICK: San Diego State -6.5 LOSE