Kristian Ferrell
The UC San Diego Tritons men's basketball team represented the University of California, San Diego during the 2023–24 NCAA Division I men's basketball season. The Tritons, led by eleventh-year head coach Eric Olen, played their home games at LionTree Arena in La Jolla, California, as members of the Big West Conference. Previously, they had appeared in the NCAA Division III men's basketball tournament four times, with a record of 2–4.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| University | University of California, San Diego |
| Team Name | Tritons |
| Division | I |
| Head Coach | Eric Olen |
| Home Games Stadium | LionTree Arena, La Jolla, California |
| Conference | Big West Conference |
| Regular Season Record (2023) | 27-4 overall, 17-2 Big West |
| Postseason Tournaments | Ineligible during the transition period to Division I |
| Previous Division III Record | 2–4 |
| College Basketball Invitational (CBI) Record | 0–1 |
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What You'll Learn
UC San Diego Tritons play in Division I
The UC San Diego Tritons men's basketball team plays in Division I of the NCAA. The Tritons, led by head coach Eric Olen, played their home games at LionTree Arena in La Jolla, California, as members of the Big West Conference.
The Tritons had a successful 2023-24 season, finishing with a record of 10-20, 5-13 in Big West play, and placing ninth. This was their third year of a four-year transition period to Division I, making them ineligible for postseason tournaments, including the Big West tournament and the NCAA tournament.
However, in the 2024-25 season, the Tritons claimed their first-ever Big West regular-season championship. They finished the regular season with an impressive 27-4 record, 17-2 in Big West play, winning 12 straight games. UC San Diego has also won the turnover battle in the majority of its games this season and leads Division I in turnover margin.
The UC San Diego Tritons men's basketball team has come a long way, previously appearing in the NCAA Division III men's basketball tournament four times, with a record of 2-4. They have also appeared in the College Basketball Invitational (CBI) once, in 2024, but are still seeking their first win with a record of 0-1.
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They were previously in Division III
The UC San Diego Tritons men's basketball team represented the University of California, San Diego during the 2023–24 NCAA Division I men's basketball season. They were previously in Division III, appearing in the NCAA Division III men's basketball tournament four times, with a record of 2–4. The Tritons played their home games at LionTree Arena in La Jolla, California, as members of the Big West Conference.
During the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons, UC San Diego was in the process of transitioning to Division I, and their games against Big West opponents were considered non-conference matches by the Big West Conference. In the 2022–23 season, the Tritons finished with a record of 10–20 overall and 5–13 in Big West play, placing ninth. As they were in the third year of the four-year transition period to Division I, they were ineligible to participate in postseason tournaments, including the Big West tournament and the NCAA tournament.
Despite this, in the 2023–24 season, the Tritons claimed their first-ever Big West regular-season championship with a 70-63 victory over Long Beach State at LionTree Arena. Tyler McGhie and Aniwaniwa Tait-Jones each scored 20 points, and the team improved to a 23-0 record when leading at halftime. This win marked UC San Diego's 12th straight victory, with a season record of 27-4 overall and 17-2 in the Big West.
The successful 2023–24 season marked a significant step forward for the UC San Diego Tritons, who had previously competed in Division III and were now excelling in Division I competition.
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The team is transitioning to Division I
The transition to Division I basketball involves a mandatory four-year period, during which the team is ineligible for postseason tournaments, including the NCAA tournament. In the 2022-23 season, UC San Diego finished with a record of 10-20, going 5-13 in Big West play to finish in ninth place. Despite their ineligibility for the Big West tournament, the Tritons continued to improve and develop their program during this transitional phase.
In the 2023-24 season, UC San Diego Tritons men's basketball team embarked on their journey in Division I basketball. While they were still in the final year of the transition period and ineligible for postseason tournaments, their hard work and dedication paid off. The Tritons captured their first-ever Big West regular-season championship, defeating Long Beach State 70-63 at their home arena.
This historic victory showcased the team's improvement and potential as they rose to the challenges of Division I basketball. Tyler McGhie and Aniwaniwa Tait-Jones led the way, each scoring 20 points in the championship game. The entire team demonstrated their prowess, with players like Chris Howell contributing with six assists, five steals, and a crucial block in the final minutes. The Tritons' success continued, as they improved to a 23-0 record when leading at halftime and set new records for three-pointers.
As UC San Diego Tritons men's basketball completes its transition to Division I, the team's accomplishments during this period serve as a testament to their resilience and growth. With a strong foundation and a culture of winning, the Tritons are poised to continue their success in Division I, establishing themselves as a force to be reckoned with in college basketball.
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They won the 2023 Big West Championship
UC San Diego's men's basketball team won its first-ever Big West regular-season championship in 2023. The Tritons defeated Long Beach State 70-63 on March 6 at LionTree Arena, securing their 12th straight win. Tyler McGhie and Aniwaniwa Tait-Jones each scored 20 points, with Tait-Jones also contributing six assists and five steals without committing a single turnover.
This victory marked a significant milestone for UC San Diego, as it was only their fourth season in the NCAA Division I transition period mandated by the NCAA. The Tritons had previously appeared in the NCAA Division III men's basketball tournament four times, with a record of 2-4.
The 2023 championship game showcased the team's dominance, as they improved to 23-0 when leading at halftime. McGhie's impressive three-point shooting was on full display throughout the season, and the team's ability to force turnovers while minimizing their own was a key factor in their success.
The win against Long Beach State was a memorable way for UC San Diego to conclude their regular season. The game was nationally televised on ESPN2, showcasing the talent and determination of the Tritons to a broad audience. This triumph set the stage for the team's future success and established them as a rising force in collegiate basketball.
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The Tritons play at LionTree Arena
The Tritons, representing UC San Diego, play in NCAA Division III men's basketball. They have a record of 2-4 in the four tournaments they have participated in. The team has also featured in the College Basketball Invitational (CBI), with a combined record of 0-1 from their one appearance in 2024.
The Tritons play their home games at LionTree Arena, the official basketball facility of UC San Diego. The team's home court advantage is a significant boost, with the arena providing a great atmosphere and all the necessary facilities to support the team. LionTree Arena is a modern facility, purpose-built to host UC San Diego's basketball teams, both men's and women's squads, and provide them with a competitive edge.
The arena is likely named after the university's mascot, the Triton, a Greek god often depicted with the upper body of a human and the tail of a fish, or sometimes the lower body of a dolphin. The name 'LionTree' may combine the strength and power of a lion with the growth and community symbolised by a tree, reflecting the team's values. The arena is a source of pride for the university and its basketball program, providing a platform for the team's success and a home-court advantage.
Playing at LionTree Arena, the Tritons benefit from a familiar environment, allowing them to develop strong team cohesion and a deep understanding of the court. The team's knowledge of the arena's nuances, from the court dimensions to the unique acoustics, can provide a strategic advantage over visiting teams. Additionally, the Tritons' fans and students can pack the stands, creating an intimidating atmosphere for opposing teams and energising the home team.
The facilities at LionTree Arena are tailored to the basketball program's needs, with ample space for practices, training, and game-day preparations. The arena likely boasts state-of-the-art equipment, expert staff, and all the necessary amenities to support the team's performance and recovery. From sports science labs to top-notch medical facilities, the arena is designed to foster the team's success and ensure the players have every opportunity to excel.
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Frequently asked questions
Division I.
No, they have previously appeared in the NCAA Division III men's basketball tournament four times.
They were in the third year of the four-year transition period to Division I in 2022-23.
No, they were ineligible to participate in postseason tournaments, including the NCAA tournament and the Big West tournament.
Yes, they won their first-ever Big West regular-season championship in 2023.
