UCLA is a much stronger team than it was earlier in the season. The Bruins' youngsters have grown and gotten better especially sophomore guard Bryce Alford and freshman forward Kevon Looney. They also have steady senior guard Norman Powell to rely on. UCLA has come on to cover seven of its last nine games.




SMU hasn't been to the NCAA Tournament since 1993. UCLA has made the NCAA Tournament four of the last five years, including the past three.




The Bruins had the toughest schedule of any Pac-12 team.