UCLA Basketball: Can This Non-Conference Schedule Launch a Championship Run? That's the burning question as Mick Cronin enters his seventh season, aiming to forge another Bruin powerhouse. Fresh off a 23-11 record and a second-round NCAA Tournament appearance, UCLA's pre-Big Ten schedule is strategically crafted to build momentum and gel the team. Will it work?
The good news for Bruin faithful: Pauley Pavilion will be rocking early and often. A significant chunk of their non-conference games will be played in the friendly confines of Los Angeles, with only a couple of neutral-site contests to break up the routine. This home-heavy schedule offers a distinct advantage.
Here's a breakdown of the key matchups:
November 3 – Eastern Washington (Home): The season tips off with a game designed to synchronize the rotation. This is Cronin's chance to experiment – think different player combinations and varying the pace of the game – before the stakes rise. Consider it a live-action lab session.
November 7 – Pepperdine (Home): A classic California showdown! Expect a spirited in-state battle. UCLA's size, defensive prowess, and overall athleticism should give the Waves a difficult time.
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November 14 – Arizona (Neutral, Los Angeles): This is where things get interesting! An old Pac-12 rivalry is reignited. UCLA has been on a roll against the Wildcats, winning the last four encounters and holding a commanding 64-50 lead in the all-time series. Their most recent clash was a nail-biting 57-54 Bruin victory. But here's where it gets controversial... With both teams navigating new landscapes in different conferences, does this rivalry still hold the same weight?
November 18 – Sacramento State (Home): Back at Pauley, Cronin continues his fine-tuning process. Expect a strong emphasis on defense and further experimentation with different lineups.
November 21 – Presbyterian State (Home): The final game of this initial comfortable home stretch. One last opportunity to polish the finer details before heading into more challenging territory.
November 25 – California (Neutral, San Francisco): Another familiar face from the Pac-12 days. UCLA and Cal renew their rivalry in San Francisco. UCLA has dominated the series, winning 34 of 52 games, including a squeaker in 2024, 61-60.
December 13 – Gonzaga (Neutral, Seattle): Circle this one on your calendar! A high-profile clash between two West Coast titans in Seattle. Gonzaga has had the upper hand recently, winning seven of the last ten, but UCLA triumphed in their most recent meeting last December. Expect high intensity, a fast tempo, and national media attention. This game could be a crucial measuring stick for both teams.
December 17 – Arizona State (Home): The third meeting against a former Pac-12 foe. UCLA has historically dominated Arizona State, winning 35 of 49 games. Their 2024 encounter was a defensive slugfest, with ASU managing only 47 points.
December 19 – Cal Poly (Home): These two programs haven't met in over a decade. UCLA won their last encounter in the 2010s, 88-83, and should have the advantage again, thanks to superior depth and athleticism.
December 23 – UC Riverside (Home): The Bruins conclude their non-conference schedule with another in-state battle. UCLA has a perfect 6-0 record against UC Riverside. Their last meeting was a tight one-point Bruin victory in 2023.
Gearing Up for the Big Ten Gauntlet
This non-conference schedule is strategically front-loaded with home games and familiar opponents, providing a smooth runway for the Bruins as they transition into the Big Ten. Their first conference test comes on December 3 at Washington. The early schedule should provide ample opportunity to establish rhythm, solidify their identity, and build momentum. And this is the part most people miss... The carefully curated schedule allows Cronin to integrate new players and refine his game plan before the intensity of the Big Ten hits.
With a roster boasting depth, experience, and a defense-first mentality instilled by Cronin, the Bruins are poised to make some serious noise come March. What do you think? Does this schedule set them up for success, or are there potential pitfalls lurking? Will the revamped Pac-12 rivalries still carry the same weight? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
