Bracketology 2022: Duke, Gonzaga, UCLA among early big winners
By Joey Loose
UCLA
Nobody outside of southern California really expected what UCLA pulled off last season, marching all the way to the Final Four as an 11-seed relegated to a tough First Four matchup with Michigan State. These Bruins were on the cusp of knocking off unbeaten Gonzaga before Jalen Suggs pulled off the shot of the year. Mick Cronin’s program has really come together and this year’s squad is expected to be just as special, so it’s no surprise to see them get off to a hot start.
UCLA got things started with a blowout win over Cal State Bakersfield on opening night, though that wasn’t exactly an unexpected result. The impressive performance came three days later, as the Bruins took down #4 Villanova in an absolute thriller, beating the Wildcats in overtime. With these high expectations, the Bruins passed the early season test against a top 5 opponent, even if the win did come at home.
When they were voted the #2 team in the country to start the season, it’s certainly true that there was a target put on the backs of the UCLA players, even after that incredible run through March last season. Taking care of a top 5 opponent in the opening week of the season is pretty much the best start you could ask for. Like seemingly everyone else on the list this week, a challenging matchup with Gonzaga looms