How UCLA basketball can make the tournament
By Jake Liker
Nov 16, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Coastal Carolina Chanticleers forward Uros Ljeskovic (13) and UCLA Bruins forward Tony Parker (23) go for a rebound in the first half of the game at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
There seemed to be a consensus between the 5000 or so UCLA basketball fans in Pauley Pavilion for the Bruins’ second game of the season: at least one of the teams they were watching was going to be in the tournament. They were right. The Coastal Carolina Chanticleers have punched their ticket to the Big Dance.
Meanwhile, the Bruins are still waiting in line at the box office for their ticket, and the show is nearly sold out.
Before we delve into the various scenarios of the ever-changing bubble, it should be noted that the Bruins control their own destiny. Even just a win over Arizona without winning the conference tournament essentially guarantees UCLA a spot in the field.
But in the likely event that the Bruins fall short against the Wildcats, this is their blueprint to a March Madness bid.