Here is an overview of UCLA's path to a Big Ten Tournament championship and some potential teams they could see in the championship game.
UCLA is the No. 4 seed in this tournament, which means they have a double bye, bypassing the first two rounds. The tournament is taking place at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, which is not an ideal location for UCLA. Still, the women's team won the B1G tournament there, so it shouldn't be an issue. This neutral-site environment hopefully will have Bruin fans attend UCLA's games for this tournament.
UCLA's path to a tournament title is not easy, but not impossible as well. Their first game will be against the winner of a second-round game, which means UCLA will face a team that has already won a tournament game or two and will be warmed up. The advantage UCLA will have is that they will be well rested and possibly be playing a team that will have their third game in three days.
As already discussed, if UCLA wins their quarterfinal game, they will advance to the semifinals.
In the semifinals, they will face the winner of the quarterfinal game from the other side of the bracket. This could be against the top seed, like Michigan State. The Bruins have already defeated the Spartans and Wisconsin, who they could potentially meet in their first two games of the tournament. If UCLA wins their semifinal game, they will advance to the championship game. Here is a look at four teams they could realistically face in the Big Ten tournament championship.
No. 2 Seed: Maryland Terrapins
No. 3 Seed: Michigan Wolverines
No. 6 Seed: Purdue Boilermakers
No. 7 Seed: Illinois Fighting Illini
UCLA, based on who they defeated this season, has a good draw on their side of the Big Ten bracket, having defeated Michigan State, Wisconsin, Northwestern, Indiana, and Oregon twice. Can the Bruins do what the women's team did and win the title? Time will tell but UCLA can indeed win this tournament.