UCLA advances to Sweet 16 following impressive win over Bearcats

Mar 19, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats guard Jarron Cumberland (34) controls the ball against UCLA Bruins guard Aaron Holiday (3) during the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 19, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats guard Jarron Cumberland (34) controls the ball against UCLA Bruins guard Aaron Holiday (3) during the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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After proving doubters wrong, UCLA advances to Sweet 16 and will play the Kentucky Wildcats.

Well, if you wanted another epic round of March Madness, you got it.

Lonzo Ball made his presence known in the second round game, but it was a team effort that got the Bruins by. He led the team in scoring, with 18 points as well of nine assists, seven rebounds, and two steals.

All Bruins starters were in double figures, with TJ Leaf scoring 11.

The real challenge for UCLA starts now, as Kentucky will be a hard opponent to face. Earlier in the season, the Wildcats couldn’t handle the Bruins — UCLA hopes they can replicate that now.

A spot in the Elite Eight will be given to one of these teams. What this will come down to is whether or not the stars continue to shine for the Bruins.

Lonzo Ball can’t let off the gas; Steve Alford can’t let him. Keeping the flow of the game in their control will also be crucial to how the Bruins get to victory.

Against Cincinnati, UCLA shot 50% from the field and 39.3% from beyond the arc. Also, the defense of the Bruins was superb, forcing ten turnovers.

The Bearcats were able to out-rebound the Bruins, 32-30. This category can’t be something UCLA can take lightly against Kentucky, though.

It’s a whole different story now, and there’s far more on the line than in the regular season meeting.

If the Bruins get past the Wildcats, they’ll prove the doubters wrong just one more time. It would also be a staple in their potential championship season.

Lastly, it gives Lonzo Ball more time to impress NBA scouts and leave no doubt that he’s a top prospect.

Next: USC Can't Keep Up With Baylor

Leveling the second overall seed in their part of the bracket wouldn’t be a bad way to do that.