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The Go Joe Bruin 2016-17 UCLA Basketball Preview (Men’s)

By Mike Regalado

Jan 9, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Aaron Holiday (3) reacts with guard Isaac Hamilton (10) after making a three pointer during the second half against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Aaron Holiday (3) reacts with guard Isaac Hamilton (10) after making a three pointer during the second half against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 9, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins center Thomas Welsh (40) guard Aaron Holiday (3) guard Isaac Hamilton (10) and guard Bryce Alford (20) during the second half against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins center Thomas Welsh (40) guard Aaron Holiday (3) guard Isaac Hamilton (10) and guard Bryce Alford (20) during the second half against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

2015-16 Result

More from UCLA Bruins Basketball

Overall: 15-17

Pac-12: 6-12

Home: 11-6

Away: 3-7

Neutral: 1-4

Pac-12 Tournament: 1st Round loss to USC

NCAA Tournament: Was not invited

The UCLA Basketball team had a lot of momentum going into last season. Despite losing Norman Powell and Kevon Looney to the NBA, the Bruins appeared to have enough firepower to be contenders. After chomping on some early-season cupcakes, the Bruins found their measuring stick during the Maui Invitational.

UCLA quickly found out how they measured up against other teams as bad losses to Kansas and Wake Forest put them in their place. It seem like it could be a long non-conference season but then the Bruins hit their stride.

Shocking wins over Kentucky and Gonzaga, with plenty of defense of effort, signaled that the Bruins had seemingly turned a corner. They finished the non-conference schedule 9-4 and were looking to take on the Pac-12.  Unfortunately that didn’t go as planned.

UCLA started Pac-12 play on the road at Washington and Washington State and lost to both teams.  It got worse from there. The Bruins were only able to win six games against their conference opponents and slid down the 10th place after losing their last for regular-season games.

Adding to that embarrassment came in the form of two losses to crosstown rival USC. The Bruins added a third loss and the opening round exit in the Pac-12 Tournament. The Trojans dismantled the Bruins 95-71. UCLA’s season was mercilessly over.

Next: 2015-16 Outlook