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NCAA Basketball: Busting Brackets’ opening top 25

By Doug Winkey

Nov 15, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Frank Mason (0) shoots the game winning shot against Duke Blue Devils guard Matt Jones (13) and forward Chase Jeter (2) during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 15, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Frank Mason (0) shoots the game winning shot against Duke Blue Devils guard Matt Jones (13) and forward Chase Jeter (2) during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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November 17, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins forward TJ Leaf (22) passes the ball to guard Lonzo Ball (2) against the defense of San Diego Toreros guard Tyler Williams (1) during the first half at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
November 17, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins forward TJ Leaf (22) passes the ball to guard Lonzo Ball (2) against the defense of San Diego Toreros guard Tyler Williams (1) during the first half at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

16. UCLA Bruins

UCLA and Steve Alford have lived up to the early hype. The Bruins are 4-0 over four in-state mid-majors. Their first real test is at Kentucky on December 3. That will likely be our first real look at this team’s ceiling.

Must Read: Bryce Alford to have monster season in new role

The competition hasn’t been stellar, but the freshman talent sure has. Forward T.J. Leaf and point guard Lonzo Ball are both averaging double-doubles or close to them. Leaf averages 20.3 points and 10 boards, while Ball is up to 16.3 points and 9.0 assists per game.

Bryce Alford is still stellar at 18.8 points per game (58 percent from three), along with the rest of the offensive power. They just need to play better competition before they are true Pac-12 contenders.

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