The 2005–06 UCLA Bruins Men's Basketball Team: A Season of Triumph and Near Misses
The 2005-06 UCLA Bruins men's basketball team represented the University of California, Los Angeles during the 2005-06 NCAA Division I men's basketball season. This season was marked by significant achievements, including a strong regular season performance, a Pac-10 tournament victory, and a memorable run to the NCAA Championship Game.
Regular Season and Pac-10 Tournament Success
The UCLA Bruins finished the regular season with an impressive 14-4 record in conference play. Building on this success, the team went on to win the Pac-10 tournament, bringing their conference record to 17-4. This dominant performance solidified their position as a top contender heading into the NCAA tournament.
NCAA Tournament Run and Championship Game Appearance
The team reached the pinnacle of college basketball by advancing to the 2006 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament championship game. However, their quest for a 12th title was denied by the Florida Gators, who defeated them 73-57 in the final game. Despite the loss, the Bruins' journey to the championship game was a testament to their skill, determination, and teamwork.
Season Schedule and Key Games
The Bruins' schedule included a mix of non-conference and conference games, showcasing their talent against a variety of opponents. Here's a summary of their games:
- November: The Bruins started the season strong, winning their first 13 games.
- December: Continued their winning streak, maintaining an undefeated record.
- January: UCLA (16-1) Win vs. UCLA (17-1) Win vs.
- February: UCLA (19-2) Win vs. UCLA (20-2) Win vs. UCLA (21-2) Win vs. UCLA (24-3) Win vs. UCLA (25-3) Win vs.
- March: UCLA (26-5) Loss vs. UCLA (27-5) Win vs. UCLA (28-5) Win vs. UCLA (29-5) Win vs. UCLA (30-5) Win vs. UCLA (30-6) Loss vs.
Recruiting
UCLA Commit List for 2005 included players from different states like Tilton N.H.
Read also: Relive the 2006 UCLA-USC Thriller
Rankings and Records
Throughout the season, the UCLA Bruins received recognition in various polls and rankings. ESPN.com's rankings, as well as the AP Poll, reflected the team's performance and standing among other top college basketball programs. The team's season-by-season records further highlight their consistent success and history of excellence.
Team Roster
The 2005-06 UCLA Bruins roster included:
- Mustafa Abdul-Hamid (FR, G)
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Read also: NCAA Basketball 2006
tags: #2006 #ucla #basketball #roster
