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UCLA Basketball: Predicting 2019 the non-conference schedule

By Mike Regalado

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 10: Mick Cronin speaks to the media after he was introduced as the new UCLA Mens Head Basketball Coach at Pauley Pavilion on April 10, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 10: Mick Cronin speaks to the media after he was introduced as the new UCLA Mens Head Basketball Coach at Pauley Pavilion on April 10, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Dec 1 (Sun) vs. San Jose State

Because the Spartans won more than ten games only once in the last eight seasons, I’m going to go ahead and give this game to UCLA. 7-2

Dec 8 (Sun) vs. Denver

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Denver has had better luck than San Jose State in recent years, but they are in no sense giant slayers. Plus, their eight wins from last season doesn’t exactly scream “trap game.” Unless the Bruins are coming apart at the seams at this point, which doesn’t seem likely under Cronin, this should be another win. 8-2

Dec 14 (Sat) at Notre Dame

UCLA barely took down Notre Dame last year, but that was under another coach, and it was at Pauley Pavilion. So what happens this year with Cronin at the helm and the game being in South Bend? I don’t want to be overly optimistic, but I don’t want to be a Debbie Downer either. I will call this one a close loss, which will actually be a good thing. When the team experiences losses, they can learn from it and make the necessary adjustments. 8-3.

Dec 21 (Sat) vs. North Carolina in Las Vegas

It’s North Carolina, a team that has not lost less than 25 games since the 2013-14 season. They are one of the blue bloods for a reason. They are well coached, they recruit well, they develop well… let’s just call this one an “L” and move on. 8-4

Dec 28 (Sat) vs. Cal State Fullerton

Again, barring any meltdown, this should be a win. Fullerton is no powerhouse, and considering this is at Pauley, this should be a win. A big win. 9-4

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So according to our predictions, the UCLA basketball team could go 9-4 in the nonconference season. That is not bad considering the competition they are going up against. There are a few cupcakes, a few midrange tests and a handful of great teams which will give the Bruins plenty to work off of as they head into Pac-12 play.