UCLA is one of just four teams with losing records in Pac-12 play this season. Given the league’s parity, however, it’s not as dire a situation as some may think.

The Bruins (12-8, 3-4) head into tonight’s 7 p.m. tipoff against Washington just two games back of first place — held by the Huskies and Oregon. Although head coach Steve Alford is still trying to figure out the team’s best defensive rotations, finishing at or near the top of the conference still isn’t out of the question.

“We haven’t played our best basketball yet,” said point guard Bryce Alford. “That’s definitely encouraging. It gives us confidence that, usually around this time of year, we start playing pretty well. … If we can continue to keep working and get hot right now, we’ll be just fine.”