March Madness 2017: Three Reasons why UCLA can Win it All
By Jason Reed
The Bruins have the best offense in March Madness 2017
Led by Lonzo Ball, the UCLA Bruins offense is leaps and bounds the best offense the tournament has to offer. The Bruins are averaging 90.4 points per game, which is good for first in the entire tournament. They are first in assists per game (21.5), first in field goal percentage (51.9%), and fourth in three-point percentage (40.5%).
The next best team in the entire southern region is Kentucky, who have the second-most points per game total with 86.1. However, their offensive metrics are not that fantastic. Kentucky averages 15.7 assists, a 47.7% field goal percentage, and 35.3% three-point percentage. With the primary output of their offense being their backcourt, if Ball shut them down they are in rough waters.
Then, if the UCLA offense can coast into the southern finals against UNC their offense once more can dictate the game. UNC also has a high powered offense with lackluster defense, ranking fifth in points per game with 84.9. Although they are second in assists with 18.2 per game, they are 27th in field goal percentage (47.1%), and 37th in three-point percentage (36.6%).
Of course, this is all assuming the higher seeded teams get through, but it is evident that the Bruins have the offensive wherewithal to compete with the best teams in the nation. With Wichita State being the only statistically great defensive team in the south the Bruins should have no worry.
They are going to beat teams in their region with their high powered offense. That will carry them into the final four, and the rest will be history.