UCLA is a Team to Watch in March Madness

On Thursday night, UCLA beat Arizona State, a team coming off a win against Arizona, by 18 points. The Bruins have quietly been building a strong season, and they could be a team to watch when the NCAA tournament tips off in a few weeks.

UCLA is 26-4, and they have lost just two games since January. Advanced metrics love the Bruins, ranking them No. 1-4 in several different metrics. Their strong defense and very good offense are driving their success, and they are currently No. 4 in the NCAA’s NET rankings.

The Bruins have been very good for three straight seasons, and they could be the best of the bunch. They lost in the Final Four on an absolutely legendary buzzer-beater from Gonzaga in 2021, and last year injuries and a talented North Carolina team ended their run in the tournament early. This team might be their best chance yet.

UCLA is currently listed at 10-to-1 to win the NCAA tournament at BetMGM, making them one of the better values on the board. If they beat Arizona on Saturday and win the Pac-12 tournament, they could get a No. 1 seed, and their odds will likely become even shorter.

UCLA is flying under the radar right now, but they are a team to watch in March Madness. With an elite defense and a very good offense, they should be considered a legitimate contender.