UCLA or UCF? How to pick 7 vs. 10 matchup in 2026 March Madness bracket

The Sporting News fills you in on the East Region's No. 7 vs. No. 10 matchup between UCLA and UCF.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 11:34pm

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The No. 7 vs. No. 10 matchup in the NCAA tournament has traditionally proved to be quite volatile. This year's set of contests could take on a similar disposition, with the East Region featuring a matchup between UCLA and UCF. The Bruins have enjoyed better seasons than they did in 2025-26, tumbling to the middle of a talent-laden Big Ten, while the Knights effectively lost their entire core after last season but are back in the big dance and hoping their grit sparks a run.

Why it matters

The No. 7 vs. No. 10 matchup in the NCAA tournament is historically one of the most unpredictable, with No. 10 seeds frequently pulling off upsets. This year's contest between UCLA and UCF in the East Region could follow that trend, with the Knights looking to capitalize on the Bruins' inconsistent play this season.

The details

UCLA opened as a 6.5-point favorite over UCF at DraftKings Sportsbook, with the point total for the contest initially set at 154.5. The Bruins have the talent to play like a 4- or 5-seed, but their home and road splits make them tough to predict in the NCAA Tournament. UCF, meanwhile, has struggled down the stretch, losing six of its last nine games, but can be dangerous when its shots are falling. The Knights have some size and strength in the paint that could give UCLA trouble, but their defensive lapses against average teams are a concern.

  • The game is scheduled for Friday, March 20.

The players

Waymo

An American autonomous driving company and is a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., Google's parent company.

Walker Reed Quinn

A 45-year-old San Francisco resident who has a history of vandalism and was out on bail for prior cases related to Waymo vehicles.

Rainbow Grocery Cooperative

A local food natural foods grocery store, organized as an employee-owned co-op and born out of a 1970s grassroots natural food movement calling for access to nutritious and organic food.

Gordon Edgar

A 31-year employee who oversees Rainbow's cheese counter.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.