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UCLA Basketball: Bruins Give Their Takes on Their Place in the NCAA Tournament

By Mike Regalado

Feb 23, 2017; Tempe, AZ, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Wells-Fargo Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 23, 2017; Tempe, AZ, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Wells-Fargo Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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UCLA Basketball Head Coach Steve Alford and a few of his players talked about their seeding in the 2017 NCAA Tournament and what they need to do now.

With the brackets set, the members of the UCLA Basketball team reacted to the Bruins’ #3 seed, what happened in the Pac-12 Tournament and what to expect in the Big Dance.

Though it was expected they would be where they are at, which includes a first weekend in Sacramento, the Bruins talked about what has to happen going forward.

Head Coach Steve Alford started off by talking about their placement, “We’re excited to be able to play in Sacramento and that get that first bracket and stay west.” With the Bruins staying in California, they would probably have the biggest fanbase to support their Round of 64 game, as well as limiting the fatigue of traveling across country.

Related Story: UCLAs Odds of Winning the NCAA Tournament is Pretty Good

Alford then gave a quick update n the injured to Lonzo Ball and TJ Leaf. “[Lonzo’s] fine. He just had a strain. If there was any silver lining, TJ just played two games in three days, he’s healing much better now, too. Getting those guys at 100% is going to be crucial.”

Alford then commented on the Pac-12 Tournament performance and what to expect in the Big Dance.

"We didn’t shoot the ball particularly well. We didn’t quite have that demeanor that we had in the regular season. So its really just about having a good swag, having a good demeanor. Going into the tournament knowing that we are one of those teams that has a chance to advance in this because we proven it in the course of the season. We have been a Top 10 team since the Kentucky game. So the guys need to have that confidence going in."

Ball, Leaf and Bryce Alford then got to go in front of the media and talk about the current atmosphere surrounding UCLA Basketball and the NCAA Tournament.

As the humble person he is, Ball often kept it short and sweet, especially when talking about what they have to do in the tourney, “Just go out there and play our game.” At the same time, he knows what he wants. When asked about what he would be satisfied with, Ball said, “Championship. We don’t play to lose.”

Next: UCLA is a 3-Seed in the South Region

#3 UCLA takes on #14 Kent State on Friday, March 17, at approximately 7 p.m. PT.