A Look at UCLA’s Recent March Madness Accomplishments

Reviewing notable tournament placements in UCLA's recent history.

Mar 24, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) and guard Bryce Alford (20) react as they walk back up court against the Kentucky Wildcats in the second half during the semifinals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-Imagn Images | Justin Ford-Imagn Images

With the Bruins locked into the NCAA Tournament this season, it is a good time to review UCLA’s postseason finishes over the last few years.

The UCLA Bruins men's basketball program has been up and down during that span. At times, the Bruins have looked like one of the strongest teams in the country, while in other seasons they have struggled to find consistency.

2024-2025 | Second-Round

Mar 22, 2025; Lexington, KY, USA; Tennessee Volunteers forward Felix Okpara (34) and UCLA Bruins forward Tyler Bilodeau (34) go for a rebound during the second half in the second round of the NCAA Tournament at Rupp Arena. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images | Aaron Doster-Imagn Images

Last season, UCLA won one tournament game against No. 10 seed Utah State. The Bruins won 72–47, with Eric Dailey Jr. scoring 14 points to help push UCLA into the second round. That result was considered a solid showing for a team that finished the season 23–11.

In the next round, UCLA faced No. 2 seed Tennessee and fell 67–58. Skyy Clark scored 18 points in the effort, but it was not enough to overcome Tennessee’s depth and physicality. Many observers expected UCLA’s run to end at that stage of the tournament.

2023-2024 | Missed Tournament

Dec 23, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Mick Cronin reacts on the sidelines in the first half against the UC Riverside Highlanders at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

In 2024, UCLA missed the tournament altogether after finishing 16–17. The Bruins lost several close games against ranked opponents, including a 71–69 loss to Marquette and a 69–65 defeat to Gonzaga. Those narrow losses ultimately kept UCLA out of the field.

2022-23 | Sweet 16

Mar 23, 2023; Las Vegas, NV, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Jaime Jaquez Jr. (24) sits on the bench against the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the second half at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images | Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

In 2023, UCLA advanced to the Sweet 16 before losing 79–63 to Gonzaga. The Bruins entered the tournament as a No. 2 seed and picked up wins over UNC Asheville and Northwestern. Despite the deep run, the result felt slightly underwhelming for a team that finished 31–6.

Jaime Jaquez Jr. was the primary driver of UCLA’s success that season. During the tournament, he led the team in both scoring and rebounding, averaging 23.3 points and 9.0 rebounds per game. Many believed UCLA had the potential to go even further that year.

2021-22 | Sweet 16

Feb 24, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Bruin head coach Mick Cronin reacts to a foul call during the second half against the Southern California Trojans at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images | Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

In 2022, UCLA again reached the Sweet 16. Entering as a No. 4 seed, the Bruins defeated Akron and Saint Mary’s before being upset 73–66 by North Carolina. That loss prevented UCLA from making a deeper run.

2020-21 | Final Four

Mar 28, 2021; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; \UCLA Bruins guard Tyger Campbell (10) handles the ball against Alabama Crimson Tide forward Jordan Bruner (2) during the first half in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2021 NCAA Tournament at Hinkle Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Doug McSchooler-Imagn Images | Doug McSchooler-Imagn Images

The program’s most memorable recent run came in 2021, when UCLA made a stunning run to the Final Four. The Bruins entered the tournament through the First Four, defeating Michigan State 86–80 in overtime just to reach the main bracket.

From there, UCLA caught fire, defeating BYU, Abilene Christian, Alabama in overtime, and Michigan 51–49 to reach the Final Four. The magical run ended in a classic game against Gonzaga, where UCLA lost 93–90 on a last-second buzzer-beater.

Mar 7, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Donovan Dent (2) talks with head coach Mick Cronin against the Southern California Trojans first half at Galen Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

UCLA certainly has the talent to replicate a run similar to that of the 2021 team. However, with how inconsistent the Bruins have been this season, there is also a real possibility that their tournament run could end earlier than expected.