UCLA stays at No. 4 for third straight week in AP poll

For a third straight week, the UCLA Bruins find themselves at No. 4 in the latest rankings. They continue to steam roll their opponents after their one lone loss on the season to Texas. But the three teams ahead of them in South Carolina, Texas and UCONN continue to do the same. This is shaping up to be one of the best and most competitive seasons we have ever seen. UCONN and Texas both remain undefeated and South Carolina’s only loss came against No. 2 Texas in a thriller.

The top four isn’t the only fun that is happening either. No. 5 LSU is also undefeated and always a threat come March. Then No. 6 Michigan is 10-1 with their only loss coming in a thriller against No. 3 South Carolina. So, it seems that teams are playing back and forth with top 10 matchups and they're coming down to the wire. UCLA has had three top 15 wins on the season and one of the harder strengths of schedule in the nation. Their Big Ten schedule will have eight more ranked opponents to go for the season as well.

UCONN seems to be the cream of the crop as they are most seasons. Whenever they lose players, they just gain more players and are always a favorite. UCLA has a much better team than they did in their Final Four loss to them last year. They were able to snag the number two recruit in the country in Sienna Betts and get Gianna Kneepkens as a transfer. This is the season to be able to do it and bring the hardware back to Westwood. It will not come easy and they will need to play compete basketball.

UCLA is the favorite to win the Big Ten and grab a one seed in March. But their bracket will include a two and three seed that will be no cakewalk. Then they may be on a crash course again with UCONN or Texas, possibly even both. If they want to win it all they are going to need to play their best basketball and pull off an upset or two. If they can pull it off, they will be remembered forever, and a banner will hang at Pauley Pavilion to show for it.