Bracketology 2023: UCLA, Kansas, and Creighton week's biggest winners

Bracketology 2023: UCLA, Kansas, and Creighton among week’s biggest winners

Dec 25, 2022; Omaha, Nebraska, USA; Creighton Bluejays guard Ryan Nembhard (2) celebrates after guard Trey Alexander (23) scored his thirtieth point of the game against the DePaul Blue Demons in the second half at CHI Health Center Omaha. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports /

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Bracketology Jaime Jaquez Jr. #24 of the UCLA Bruins (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

UCLA Bruins

When looking at the fight for a one seed, it’s clear that only one of UCLA and Arizona has a shot, unless the Big 12/Houston shuts them out. Despite just four losses and the worst being at USC, the Bruins haven’t had much talk in their favor. But this past week probably went the best they could’ve asked for in that regard.

For UCLA itself, they were able to beat Oregon State on the road by 15 points to start out the week. They then had to go and face an Oregon sqaud that was desperate for a signature victory to help their improving resume. But it didn’t come to fruition, as the Bruins kept them at arms’ length for the 70-63 win. Jaime Jaquez finished with 25 points to lead all scorers.

It also helped that other contenders lost this week. Tennessee fell to Vanderbilt of all teams, while Arizona lost to Stanford, its fourth semi-bad loss of Pac-12 play. UCLA added a Quad 1 victory via the Ducks and is now in a reasonable spot to contend for a 1 seed come Selection Sunday.

The Bruins come back home and the mission this week is to avoid any bad losses. Stanford, who just beat Arizona, is up first. California follows before the infamous road trip to Colorado and Utah.

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