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Go Joe Bruin Bracketology – Week 4

By Jake Liker

February 4, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans guard Katin Reinhardt (5) moves the ball against UCLA Bruins center Thomas Welsh (40) during the second half at Galen Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
February 4, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans guard Katin Reinhardt (5) moves the ball against UCLA Bruins center Thomas Welsh (40) during the second half at Galen Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 12, 2016; Tucson, AZ, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Aaron Holiday (3) reacts to a call during the first half against the Arizona Wildcats at McKale Center. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 12, 2016; Tucson, AZ, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Aaron Holiday (3) reacts to a call during the first half against the Arizona Wildcats at McKale Center. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports /

UCLA Outlook

This was UCLA’s chance, and they blew it. Louisville’s…err…let’s call them unorthodox (completely illegal) recruiting tactics got them banned from this year’s big dance, which left a spot open for the Bruins to take. They had a lot of losses, but they could turn things around with a statement victory on the road against a ranked opponent in either USC or Arizona.

But no, the Bruins were humiliated by their crosstown rivals and then choked in the desert. Meanwhile, the rest of the bubble has stepped its game up and have risen to the occasion when presented with the opportunity for an upset. UCLA is trending down, and everyone else is trending up.

Furthermore, the Bruins best remaining opportunity for a statement victory is already diminished, as Oregon lost back-to-back games in the Bay Area with a matchup with the Bruins looming. At this point, UCLA either has to run the table for the remainder of the regular season or win the conference tournament.

Next: Go Joe Bruin Bracketology - Week 3

If the Bruins want to be a part of the madness, they’ll have to rediscover their magic.