UCLA vs Kent State: Are Bruins primed for upset?

The Round of 64 clash featuring UCLA vs Kent State could be the next big upset.

Now that the March Madness brackets for this year are out, folks are trying to nail the upset prediction we all never see coming.

UCLA will play Kent State on Friday for a berth in the Round of 32, but shouldn’t expect an easy game.

According to a piece published by the NCAA, the history of the three seed opens the door for the nightmare scenario.

Per the report:

"Only six No. 3 seeds in the past 10 years have failed to advanced to the second round, with a pair occurring for the first time since 1986 in 2015’s tournament."

Not to scare any of the UCLA faithful, but it’s a possibility. In the event that the Bruins’ season comes to a screeching halt, the next questions center on Lonzo Ball and TJ Leaf.

Players usually use the tournament to showcase their talents to draft scouts. Without that same opportunity, Leaf and Ball could see that affect their spot in the upcoming draft.

Kent State obviously wants the upset, but they’ll have to hone in on UCLA’s stars to get it done. If Lonzo Ball has another off game, the Bruins could be in serious trouble.

Leaf will help by facilitating his game, but if he’s also not playing well that’s an issue.

Duke’s stunning defeat at the hands of Mercer in 2014 would still take the cake. For UCLA, the goal this year is to win it all.

They are a team that could get it done, but need to err on the side of caution. If the game opens up slow, stay slow. If it picks up, don’t get left behind.

Next: Three Reasons UCLA Will Win It All

It’s the last thing they need, but could become a reality.