In a night that saw UCLA coach Mick Cronin add to his growing list of memorable moments, the Bruins faced a tough 82-59 loss against No. 15 Michigan State. The game wasn't just notable for the scoreline but for Cronin's fiery demeanor both on and off the court.
Late in the game, with UCLA trailing significantly, reserve center Steven Jamerson II committed a flagrant foul on Michigan State's Carson Cooper. Although it wasn't a flagrant 2, which would have required an ejection, Cronin took matters into his own hands and sent Jamerson to the locker room himself. Michigan State's coach, Tom Izzo, noted that this was classic Cronin behavior, highlighting the coach's no-nonsense approach.
The tension didn't end there. After the game, Cronin had a terse exchange with a reporter who asked about chants from Michigan State's student section directed at former Spartans center Xavier Booker, now with UCLA. Cronin, clearly unfazed by the crowd's antics, dismissed the question with his characteristic bluntness, adding a bit of spice to the post-game proceedings.
Cronin's straightforward style is nothing new to those familiar with him. He's known for his candid comments and has previously criticized his own players and the logistical challenges of UCLA's Big Ten schedule. His colorful remarks often make headlines, like his recent quip about recruiting a "vodka-drinking Eastern European" player.
Despite the off-court drama, UCLA's focus now shifts to a critical matchup against No. 10 Illinois.
The Bruins, sitting at 17-9 overall and 9-6 in the Big Ten, are on the bubble for the NCAA Tournament. They started the season with high expectations, ranked No. 12 in the preseason AP poll, but have struggled to secure significant victories.
Their only win against a likely tournament team came against Purdue, but a double-overtime loss to Indiana marked the beginning of a challenging stretch. With recent losses to Michigan and Michigan State, the pressure is mounting for Cronin and his team to turn things around.
As the Bruins head into this pivotal part of the season, Cronin's fiery leadership will be crucial. Whether his outspoken style can inspire a turnaround remains to be seen, but one thing's for sure: UCLA's journey to secure a tournament spot is going to be anything but dull.