Denver hosts key matchups of March Madness 2025
With high-stakes games and potential upsets, Denver’s March Madness games promise excitement
Denver is no stranger to hosting March Madness games. This year’s slate of matchups is the sixth time since 1999 the tournament has come to Ball Arena. Denver is expecting a $4 million to 412 million economic boost from the tournament.
Locals also get the opportunity to attend some of the most exciting matchups of the first round, including a few potential upsets. If you’re planning to catch a game, tickets are sold in two game sessions. Session one starts at $56 and session two at $88. Those session two matchups will be some of the most exciting across the whole tournament, with huge upset potential. Here’s the breakdown for all four games.
Session One
Montana Grizzlies vs. Wisconsin
The No. 14-seeded University of Montana Grizzlies may be the Big Sky champs, but they will have trouble crashing brackets on Thursday. Meanwhile, the No. 3-seeded University of Wisconsin Badgers are looking to put the loss to Michigan in the Big Ten championship behind them.
The University of Wisconsin boasts a well-rounded team with some star power from John Tonje who averages 19 points a game, yet as a team, the unit makes their 3-pointer over 35% of the time. They are also excellent at the line, making them that much safer in a close game. The Badgers have a solid defense, despite only forcing 5.2 turnovers. Wisconsin is poised to show why they were a top team in the Big Ten.
With six players scoring between nine and 13.5 points per game, the Grizzlies force their opponents to account for everyone while on offense. Beating the University of Northern Colorado in the Big Sky Championship gives them a boost of momentum they will have to ride to have a chance at advancing. However, if their 3-pointer can fall and they take care of the ball then they’ll have a shot to be the third 14 seed to win since 2017.
Tipoff: Approx. 11:30 a.m.
Brigham Young vs. Virginia Communwealth
The No. 6-seeded BYU Cougars are looking to redeem themselves after last year’s first-round exit at the hands of the Atlantic 10 champion Duquesne. Unfortunately, they find themselves facing off against this year’s Atlantic 10 champs, the No. 11-seeded VCU Rams, a team that has only lost two of their last 20 games.
The Cougars finished the regular season on a red-hot streak, winning their last eight games, before losing to Houston in the semifinals of the Big 12 tournament. During that streak, they beat No. 4-seeded Arizona and No. 3-seeded Iowa State on the road. They’re also led by Richie Saunders, shooting 50% from the field. He’s a player that can lead a team in March.
Defense is key for VCU, they’re the 23rd-ranked team in defense efficiency. They’re also ranked 31st in forcing turnovers, and fourth in two-point defense. They will need to continue forcing turnovers and hope that shots aren’t falling from beyond the arc for the Cougars.
While their defensive efficiency would rank them fifth in the Big 12, the Rams haven’t faced a team as good offensively as BYU. Still, they are a strong team that fans of the Cougars should lose sleep over.
Tipoff: Approx. 2:05 p.m.
Session Two
Yale vs. Texas A&M
The No. 13-seeded Yale Bulldogs busted brackets last year, upsetting four-seeded Auburn in the first round. The Ivy League champs are hoping lightning will strike twice as they look upon the intimidating No. 4-seeded Texas A & M Aggies of the SEC.
Texas A & M is one of 14 SEC schools to punch their ticket to March Madness this year. The team's success comes from their balance. They score 74.3 points per game, yet hold opponents to under 70. While guards Wade Taylor IV and Zhuric Phelps lead the team, points can come from anyone and they’re all excellent rebounders.
Yale has won 16 of their last 17 games. Their offense is nothing short of effective and the team boasts a lot of depth. Out of their seven players with over 20 minutes per game, five of them shoot over 50% from the field, and the other two cash in over 43% of the time. While Yale excels on offense, they lack a competitive defense. With only 5.8 steals per game and an absence of interior strength, they rank 117th in defensive efficiency.
Tipoff: Approx. 5:25 p.m.
UC San Diego vs. Michigan
This contest has the potential to be the most exciting game in Denver. The No. 5-seeded Michigan Wolverines are coming fresh off winning the Big Ten, defeating three top 25 teams along the way. However, the No. 12-seeded UCSD Tritons have won 15 games in a row, cruising their way to the big dance in their first year eligible.
Michigan is headlined by 7-foot-1 center Vladislav Goldin and 7-foot Danny Wolf. The size of the Wolverines is a problem for every team they face, but will especially be a problem for the Tritons who are slightly undersized and not used to facing a team of this stature.
UCSD could be the next Cinderella story. They’re fourth in the NCAA in forcing steals while the Wolverines have struggled with turnovers all season long. Although it’s hard to score in the paint against Michigan, UCSD is led by an amazing guard duo in Aniwaniwa Tait-Jones and Tyler McGhie. While Tait-Jones is the leader of the offense, averaging 20 points per game, the team has three players who have made over 50 triples this season.
Tipoff: Approx. 8 p.m.
3Fans attending either session one or two of Denver’s games will certainly get their money's worth in matchups that are not only bound to be, but have the chance to make history. Games begin on Thursday. The second-round games being played at Ball Arena will be revealed after the conclusion of the first round.
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