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Social Media Reacts To Dominance Test Against #8 Michigan

UCLA was tested in their dominance by #8 Michigan, and social media had a lot to react to.
Nathan Berry|
Feb 1, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Bruins forward Sienna Betts (16) drives past Iowa Hawkeyes center Layla Hays (12) for a basket in the first half at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Feb 1, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Bruins forward Sienna Betts (16) drives past Iowa Hawkeyes center Layla Hays (12) for a basket in the first half at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

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UCLA Bruins

The Bruins had one of their biggest games of the year against the #8 ranked Michigan Wolverines, and they had the chance to convince social media that they could be national champions.

So how did they do, did they establish their dominance in finality, and most importantly how did social media react to the match against the #8 Wolverines?

The Dominance Test Against #8 Michigan: First Quarter

The first quarter did not start out very well for the Bruins, which continued a pattern that has been reigning for the majority of the season.

They lagged behind in scoring, giving a four point, 17-13 lead to the Wolverines, and they just generally did not look like they were warmed up yet.

The sight was not a pleasant one for social media, but it was something they were accustomed to with UCLA and were simply hopeful would go away soon.

The Dominance Test Against #8 Michigan: Second Quarter

As if on cue, the Bruins turned up the heat in the second quarter and went on an eight point run to put the game in their hands, at least for the first half.

However, it seemed like after they had that run they reverted back to their first quarter selves, giving up a few sloppy turnovers and failing to rebound.

Yet they were able to maintain the lead going into halftime by three points, 33-30, and although it was not dominance social media was expecting a show to come.

The Dominance Test Against #8 Michigan: Third Quarter

The third quarter Bruins came out with a penchant for victory with a few adjustments while the Wolverines did not look like the same team.

The tide was shifting and the lead grew out of control for Michigan at points, but they were able to keep UCLA in check at places and end the quarter behind nine points, 54-45.

The Dominance Test Against #8 Michigan: Fourth Quarter

In basketball it's not about how a team starts that decides the game, rather it is how a team finishes, and the team that cannot finish games well will often lose them.

That was almost the case for the Bruins as they began to slip near the end of the game, giving up the majority of their lead to the Wolverines and scaring their fans in the final minutes.

They were able to come out on top 69-66, but the game came down to the last shot and even though the win was good they will need to win more dominantly to convince social media they will win the national championship.

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Nathan Berry
NATHAN BERRY