How UCLA basketball is not done yet and making a run

After UCLA's four-game losing streak that included three road losses and ended with a loss against Rutgers, the Bruins responded and now have a winning streak.

Some Bruin fans after the Rutgers loss took on the mantra, "Not Done Yet" and that don't quit mentality has helped UCLA win their last two games. Not only did UCLA respond in their game after Rutgers, they dominated Iowa for a double-digit victory.

Then UCLA hosted Wisconsin, which was a test of whether their win against Iowa was an exception or a game that would be the start of a winning streak. The Bruins and Badgers went back and forth throughout the game but in the end, UCLA pulled off the victory against No. 18 ranked Wisconsin.

UCLA's next game is against Washington on the road for a Friday night game in which the Bruins should be favored, having already defeated the Huskies by double digits earlier this season.

If the Bruins defeat Washington as expected for their third straight victory, they will have an overall record of 14-6 and 5-4 in the Big Ten conference. Granted, they have a lot of ground to gain against the league-leading Spartans, who are 7-0, but teams like Michigan State, who are atop the Big Ten standings, have a difficult February schedule. Realistically, UCLA doesn't win the conference regular season title; they can get a top-four spot for the Big Ten tournament and get two round byes in the tournament.

There are 18 teams now in the Big Ten, but only the top 15 make the Big Ten tournament this year. In second, third, and fourth place in the current Big Ten standings, Michigan has one loss, Purdue has two, and in a four-way tie for fourth, four teams currently have a 5-3 record in the conference standings. UCLA has a very realistic chance of getting a top-four seed, as long as they keep playing like they have been over their last two games.

After Washington, UCLA plays their number one rival and crosstown opponent in USC on the 27th and then they have three straight home games. The Bruins can go 5-0 in their next five games but even if they go 4-1 or even 3-2, UCLA will still be in contention for a top-four seed in the Big Ten Tournament.

If the recent play of Aday Mara, as seen against Wisconsin, and Eric Dailey Jr. against Iowa continues to complement the play of the offense that Tyler Bilodeau provides most nights and the defense that Kobe Johnson brings almost every game, UCLA will have a fantastic end to their season. UCLA has three guards, Sebastian Mack, Dylan Andrews, and Skyy Clark, who provide a solid backcourt, and the Bruins have depth with players like Lazar Stefanovic and William Kyle III; UCLA can win the Big Ten Tournament and improve their seeding for the NCAA Tournament.

UCLA is not done yet and those who had their season essentially over during their four-game losing streak may want to start to pay attention as the Bruins are winning and about to make a run.