How Win Against Michigan Would Change Everything for UCLA

If the Bruins are able to take down Michigan, their season will hit a huge turning point. This win should propel them deep into the NCAA tournament. While there are still a lot of games to go, the confidence that comes after a win like this is immeasurable.

A win like this shoots their stock up almost 10-fold. Right now, they are a tenth seed in the NCAA bracket. After a win, they could easily move up to a 7th or even a 5th seed if they're able to capitalize on the games after this. To cap things off, they might even get a number next to their name.

The seven losses UCLA has accumulated this season will amount to almost nothing. While they still hurt, a win against Michigan will prove that UCLA has finally figured it out. With the talent, the Bruins have a deep tournament run in the cards.

New-Ceiling Following a Win

Right now, the most realistic ceiling for the Bruins is a second-round elimination. As the minutes mount, fatigue will become a factor early in the tournament. However, a win against Michigan makes every opponent after that look that much easier, which could mask the fatigue.

 As mentioned earlier, a win against Michigan will significantly increase UCLA's stock. This should mean UCLA gets a much better seed than it has now. This, in turn, will give UCLA easy opponents and a newfound confidence that wasn't present before.

Looking at these factors, the Bruins could easily make the Sweet 16 or even the Elite 8 if they can really get things going after a win against Michigan. A Final Four is very unlikely, while tempting to set that as their expectations, the Bruins still have ways to go.

Getting there is harder than it seems. Michigan is obviously a very talented team. That being said, the odds that UCLA can even make this game competitive could be a stretch. However, if the Bruins are able to play the way they did against Purdue, they have a solid shot.

Ensure you follow on X (Twitter) @UCLAInsideronSI to keep up with every story surrounding UCLA athletics! Please let us know your thoughts on this when you like our Facebook page WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE.

• Cronin Sees Potential Good News as UCLA Readies for Michigan
• Looking For Holes In UCLA's Depth Chart
• UCLA to Host Elite 2027 EDGE on Visit
• Bruins' Bilodeau Explains Impact of Dent’s Playmaking
• Insider Podcast Analyzes UCLA Basketball Recruiting