Feb 27, 2024 - News

Why UCSD won't be in March Madness this year

Kate Murphy

UCSD guard Bryce Pope shoots a layup during a game vs. SDSU earlier this season. Photo: Justin Fine/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images — UCSD guard Bryce Pope shoots a layup against San Diego State earlier this season. Photo: Justin Fine/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The UC San Diego men's basketball team is tied for first place in the Big West Conference, but there will be no NCAA postseason this year for the team that could make school history.

Why it matters: A few years into the program's transition to Division I, the Tritons are proving they can compete at the NCAA's highest level.

Catch up quick: UCSD transitioned from Division II to Division I when it joined the Big West Conference in 2020.

Per NCAA rules, the team is not eligible for the Big West, NCAA or NIT tournaments during a four-year transition period.

Driving the news: The Tritons beat UC Irvine in overtime over the weekend, pulling into a tie for first in the league with the Anteaters behind a 32-point performance by senior guard Bryce Pope.

State of play: With four games left in the season, UCSD is capable of winning the program's first Division I regular-season title.

That would normally mean a top seed in the conference tournament, where a championship means an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament.

Yes, but: The Tritons aren't eligible to enter March Madness until next season.

What's next: The Tritons play Thursday at Cal State Bakersfield.

The final two home games are March 7 vs UC Davis and March 9 vs. Cal Poly, which is Senior Day.

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Why UCSD won't be in March Madness this year

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