UCLA Basketball: Latest AP Poll reflects the Bruins’ sluggish start

The UCLA Basketball team stayed put in this week’s AP Poll despite the 3-0 start, but that is due to the fact that the Bruins are still struggling to find their way.

UCLA basketball is undefeated through three games, though they have allowed their opponents to get closer than they should have, considering the talent disparity. The Bruins also have to deal with the fact that they are down three players who are indefinitely suspended.

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Though these three players (LiAngelo Ball, Jalen Hill and Cody Riley) were not expected to contribute All-conference numbers, their added depth was key to the Bruins making a run for the Pac-12 Championship. But that is a ways away

Currently, it seems, the perception of UCLA as a top national team is dwindling. That was apparent with the latest AP Top 25 Poll as the Bruins remain at no. 23.

Two weeks again, for the preseason poll, the Bruins were ranked no. 21. After their narrow win over Georgia Tech, UCLA dropped two spots in last week’s poll. The Bruins continued to win, but voters do not seemed convinced that UCLA is the team they thought they were in the preseason.

Last week, UCLA received 266 points. This week they received 191 and are now sharing the no. 23 spot with West Virginia. The Mountaineers were ranked no. 24 last week.

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It does not get any easier for the Bruins this week as they get into preseason tournament mode. Later today, the Bruins will take on Creighton in the first round of the Hall of Fame Classic. Tomorrow, they face the either Baylor or Wisconsin in the second and final round. If UCLA is to prove that they belong among the Top 25, this week would be the time to make a statement.