UCLA Basketball: Analyzing the Pac-12 Conference Weekly Match Ups

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Feb 20, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Isaac Hamilton (10) extends his hand out to the bench during the first half against the Colorado Buffaloes at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

The Bruins once again start conference play on the road and it could not be any tougher as they head to the Oregons. UCLA has not had a road sweep in the Steve Alford era and even though we will err on the side of caution with our predictions, we will say that with the talent the Bruins have coming in, they will achieve a road sweep, just not this first weekend. UCLA should be 1-1 after the first week.

Then UCLA gets their single game match ups out of the way as they only play Cal, Stanford, Colorado and Utah once this season (the Pac-12 really needs to figure out this glitch). Both pairings happen early in conference play and could be very favorable to UCLA. The Bruins could get the home sweep, but also get their first road sweep in the Alford era visiting the mountain schools. After six games (three weeks), UCLA should be 5-1 in conference.

UCLA then welcomes the Arizonas to Pauley Pavilion and even though I fear for a split, the Bruins have done well at home since Alford took over and will take out the Wildcats and Devils. UCLA should be 7-1.

By this point, UCLA should have good momentum and a fire burning inside when they meet with USC (a team they lost to three times last season) in the fifth week of conference play. UCLA wins. 8-1.

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The Bruins then travel to the Washingtons where they got swept last season. Though I believe that will not happen again, neither will they sweep. UCLA goes 9-2 after this weekend.

The Oregons then visit Pauley. As much as I hope UCLA can go undefeated in their own home, it will be a difficult task. UCLA splits this and I am not saying who they lose to. 10-3.

UCLA then “welcomes” USC to Pauley and by “welcome” I mean they obliterate their rivals. UCLA is 11-3 after this weekend.

The end of the conference season ends on a tough note… at the Arizona schools. I cannot help to think that there may be a huge road stumble sometime this season and it could be this weekend losing both on the road. 11-5.

After shaking off the Arizona trip, UCLA destroys the Washington schools at Pauley to end conference season with a 13-5 record.

Next: The State of UCLA Basketball

Though it will be a year of improvement, the Bruins have to battle against some very talented Pac-12 teams. If the Bruins are more prepared to enter conference season than they were last year, we will see major improvements for a 1st or 2nd place finish in conference. Go Bruins!