TRITONS UP! Big West Champs!

LETTSS GOOOOO!!!! What a wild and stressful ride it has been to get here, by that of course meaning my 3 months of fanhood. Finally UC San Diego has officially clinched their first berth into the NCAA Tournament! They took care of business against a very formidable foe in UC Irvine, who now looks to be NIT-bound despite a 28-6 record. Back to the CHAMPS, who are now standing at 30-4, the Tritons have darlings written all over them. They are also joining a handful of first-timers in next week’s Big Dance.

But you see, this squad has a real charm to them. Even tonight, with their star Aniwaniwa Tait-Jones a bit frustrated in the first half, it was no problem. In steps in Hayden Gray, who initiated his legacy game. My dude was hitting threes from everywhere, draining SIX in the game and leading the way to victory with 22pts and 3stls. He stepped up in the biggest moments, and whenever it looked like momentum was shifting to the Anteaters, Gray showed up to stop it in its tracks.

With the lead dwindling, Gray hit a dart from deep, and that was as close as Irvine would get for the rest of the game. Usually known for his crafty defense, when called upon, he showed up in what could be, to this point, the biggest game in Tritons history. He allowed for Tait-Jones to find his groove, and did he ever, ending up with 14pts, 8rebs, and 8asts. Back to back nights close to a triple double!

Now, it's onto the big one for UCSD. They look to be projecting as an 11 or 12 seed. It will not be easy by any means, as upsets never are. Tait-Jones & Co. will need to bring their A-game and hopefully capture the hearts of many more, just as they have my own this year.