UCLA Basketball: Should the Bruins be Ranked #1?

Dec 3, 2016; Lexington, KY, USA; UCLA Bruins center Thomas Welsh (40) reacts during the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Rupp Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2016; Lexington, KY, USA; UCLA Bruins center Thomas Welsh (40) reacts during the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Rupp Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports /
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After beating Kentucky in their house, snapping their 42-game home win streak, the UCLA Basketball team just made a case to be the new #1 team in the nation.

The UCLA Basketball team went into Kentucky’s house and beat them straight up. They did not just keep it close, but controlled the game for most of the second half.

When it was all said and done, UCLA defeated #1 Kentucky, 97-92, in Rupp Arena, in front of a rabid crowd, snapping UK’s 42-game home win streak and put the most points on a John Calipari Kentucky team at home.

This UCLA Basketball team should be the new #1.

Related Story: The UCLA Basketball All-Time Team

The Bruins deserve to be #1, not only because they beat Kentucky in impressive fashion, but with #3 UNC, #4 Kansas and #5 Duke all with one loss, UCLA should get the top spot.

“But what about #2 Villanova?”

What about them? They are 8-0 but have not played anybody yet. UCLA just took down the #1 team in the nation in their house and put up a ton of points on them.

The Bruins are in fact for real and they are going to make a splash this season. Hell, they already made a splash today.

This Bruin squad has made a complete 180-degree turn from last season. The Bruins ended 2015-16 with a 15-17 record, a 10th place finish in the Pac-12 and no NCAA Tournament bid. That seems to be changing this season with the addition of freshman Lonzo Ball and TJ Leaf.

If it is not now, then it seems that UCLA is on track to be the top team in the nation.

Next: UCLA Takes Down #1 Kentucky… AGAIN!

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Come Monday, UCLA Basketball should be the #1 team in the nation. But I will also accept a Top 5 ranking.