The UCLA Bruins men’s basketball team is steadily building momentum as they position themselves for the NCAA Tournament. With three consecutive wins and a notable improvement in rankings, UCLA is making a compelling case for a higher seed come March Madness.
Current Projections and Rankings
Projected NCAA Seeds (as of 1/25/2025):
ESPN: 8 seed
Fox Sports: 9 seed
CBS Sports: 7 seed
1-3-1 Sports: 8 seed
D Rating: 9 seed
Bracket Matrix Average: No. 8 seed
Team Rankings (1/25/2025):
NET: #34
KenPom: #30
EvanMiya: #33
Barttorvik: #28
BPI: #34
Season Highlights
Overall Record: 14-6
Significant Victories:
Washington (69-58)
Arizona (57-54) in the Hall of Fame Rivalry
@ Oregon (73-71)
Gonzaga (65-62) in the West Coast Hoops Showdown
Iowa (94-70)
Wisconsin (85-83)
@ Washington (65-60)
Defeats:
Neutral: New Mexico (64-72), North Carolina (74-74 in 2OT)
Away: Nebraska (58-66), Maryland (61-79), Rutgers (68-75)
Home: Michigan (75-94)
Path Forward
With 11 regular-season games remaining, UCLA is well-positioned to improve its tournament resume further. Five of those games are away, but the Bruins won’t leave Los Angeles for their next four contests, providing a favorable stretch to build momentum.
Key goals include climbing into the top four of the Big Ten standings to secure a double-bye in the conference tournament. While February and early March bring challenging matchups, UCLA’s recent form suggests they are capable of navigating this stretch successfully.
Analysis and Outlook
UCLA’s resume is solid, featuring victories over top-tier opponents like Arizona, Gonzaga, and Iowa. However, consistency will be crucial as they aim to move beyond an average projected No. 8 seed. If the Bruins maintain their current trajectory, they could reasonably target a top-six seed in the NCAA Tournament.
Their ability to handle road games and maintain strong defensive performances will be key as they face tougher competition in the coming weeks. Winning three of the next four games could place UCLA in the top four of the Big Ten standings, setting them up for success in both the conference and NCAA tournaments.
With a strong foundation, the Bruins remain a dangerous team capable of making a deep postseason run.
