If you tuned into yesterday’s showdown, you know UCLA took a tough hit, losing 82-59 to Michigan State. This marked the first time since World War II that UCLA has suffered back-to-back losses by more than 20 points. Quite the historical footnote, right?
Coach Mick Cronin found himself in the spotlight for a couple of reasons. First, during the game, he sent Steven Jamerson to the locker room after a foul on a Michigan State player during a breakaway dunk.
The refs called it a Flagrant 1, which doesn’t usually lead to an ejection, but Cronin made the call to pull Jamerson before the officials even finished their discussion. This decision played out in front of a packed house of Michigan State fans and countless viewers at home.
Then, in a post-game moment that’s been making waves, Cronin had a heated exchange with a Michigan State reporter. When asked about the crowd, Cronin dismissed the question with a colorful phrase and labeled it the worst query he’d ever received. The tension didn’t ease as the conversation continued, with Cronin accusing the reporter of raising his voice, despite the lack of any real confrontation.
These incidents have sparked national conversation, with sports shows and analysts weighing in. The consensus? Cronin’s actions didn’t sit well with many, who found them embarrassing and harsh.
Looking at the broader picture, the season hasn’t been kind to the Bruins. With a 17-9 record and fresh off two blowout losses, their NCAA Tournament hopes are hanging by a thread.
The team’s performance this weekend was lackluster, showing signs of disengagement and inconsistency on both ends of the court. It’s not the look of a team that’s fully committed.
The past few seasons haven’t lived up to expectations either. Missing the tournament two years ago, a brief appearance last year, and now on the brink of missing it again, UCLA’s struggles are evident.
Despite efforts to bolster the roster through NIL investments, talent acquisition hasn’t hit the mark, leaving the team without the depth needed for Big Ten competition. It’s a challenging situation, and the program seems stuck in a rut.
So, where does UCLA go from here? It’s a pivotal moment for the team and Coach Cronin, as they navigate the remainder of the season and look to regain their footing.