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UCLA Basketball: ESPN’s Latest Bracketology Has Bruins as a #4 Seed

By Mike Regalado

Feb 1, 2017; Pullman, WA, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Steve Alford looks on against the Washington State Cougars during the second half at Friel Court at Beasley Coliseum. The Bruins won 95-79. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 1, 2017; Pullman, WA, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Steve Alford looks on against the Washington State Cougars during the second half at Friel Court at Beasley Coliseum. The Bruins won 95-79. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports /
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Almost exactly like the NCAA Tournament Bracket Preview, the latest Bracketology by ESPN has UCLA Basketball as a #4 seed.

Does ESPN’s Joe Lunardi and the NCAA selection committee know something about UCLA Basketball (24-3, 11-3) that the AP Poll and the rest of the world doesn’t?

Two weeks ago, we were treated with the first ever “in-season look” at the NCAA Tournament selections. Much to the chagrin of UCLA Basketball fans the Bruins were a #4 seed in the East Region, despite a #10 ranking in the AP Poll.

In the latest edition of the weekly Bracketology by ESPN, Lunardi also has the Bruins as a #4 seed, although he has the Bruins playing in the South Region.

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This is an interesting placement especially when taking into consideration the fact that they are on a five-game win streak and are ranked #5 in the nation in this week’s AP Poll.

Currently the Bruins are in the same bracket as #1 North Carolina, #2 Baylor (who lost last week), and #3 Florida (who is ranked 13th in the AP poll).

It looks as if critics are really taking into account UCLA’s strength of schedule. Currently they are 89th according to CBS Sports.

Certain pundits are going off of these stats and not looking at the trends UCLA has gotten themselves into. For example, on the season, UCLA has allowed opponents to shoot 41.7% and score 75.7 points per game.

In the last five games, UCLA has only allowed 70.8 points per game and have brought down their opponent’s shooting percentage slightly to 41.0%. See what playing defense can do for you?

Next: Bruins Rise One Spot In Latest AP Poll

With that in mind, UCLA should turn more heads as a season winds down. Pending the Bruins keep winning, they could see probably get as high as the number to seating in the NCAA tournament. But let us take it one game at a time. Go Bruins!