In the world of college basketball, Mick Cronin is known for his no-nonsense approach, demanding toughness and accountability from his players. But Tuesday night in East Lansing was something different. UCLA found themselves on the wrong end of an 82-59 blowout against Michigan State, and tensions reached a boiling point.
With the Bruins trailing 77-50 and just over four minutes on the clock, UCLA center Steven Jamerson II committed a hard foul on Carson Cooper during a dunk attempt. The officials called it a flagrant, but Cronin took it a step further, sending Jamerson to the locker room himself.
Cronin’s message was clear: toughness doesn’t mean resorting to cheap shots, even when down by 25 points. It’s about maintaining standards and competing the right way, a principle he’s always stood by.
This moment came in the wake of a tough stretch for UCLA. They had just suffered a 30-point loss to top-ranked Michigan over the weekend, and now another heavy defeat to a ranked Michigan State team left them at 17-9 overall and 9-6 in Big Ten play. Consecutive blowouts like this are rare for the Bruins, and the pressure is mounting.
Adding to the night’s drama, Michigan State’s student section taunted with chants of former Spartan Xavier Booker’s name, who had transferred to UCLA. Cronin wasn’t having any of it.
When asked about the chants postgame, he fired back, calling it the worst question he’d ever been asked. It was a raw, unfiltered response from a coach feeling the heat of a season slipping away.
UCLA had been on a roll, winning five of their last six before this slump. But recent performances have raised concerns.
Defensively, they’ve struggled against physical teams, while offensively, they’ve had trouble creating quality shots. The Bruins, known for their discipline and strong defense, seem to have lost their identity.
Sending Jamerson off wasn’t just about one foul. It was about regaining control-of the game, the locker room, and potentially the season.
Transitioning into the Big Ten has been challenging, with its physical play and tough road environments. Cronin knows the stakes are high.
The optics of two blowouts, a player sent off by his coach, and a heated press conference have intensified the scrutiny. As February progresses, every game matters more, and the pressure builds.
Cronin’s message was unmistakable: uphold the standards, no matter the circumstances. Whether this becomes a turning point for the Bruins remains to be seen. But it’s clear that accountability is at the forefront as they navigate the challenges ahead.