UCLA Basketballs Recurring Weakness Alarms Coach Mick Cronin

The UCLA men’s basketball team’s difficult season continued with a loss to rival California. The defeat has raised further questions about the team’s performance and trajectory under head coach Mick Cronin.

Main News

UCLA lost to the California Golden Bears 66-57 on Saturday night. The loss dropped UCLA’s record to 6-10 overall and 1-4 in Pac-12 conference play.

California exploited a consistent weakness in UCLA’s defense, making 10 three-point shots during the game. UCLA’s defense against three-point attempts has been a recurring issue throughout the season.

This 1-4 start represents UCLA’s worst beginning to conference play in nearly two decades. The last time a UCLA team opened conference play with four losses in its first five games was during the 2002-03 season.

Following the game, head coach Mick Cronin was openly critical of his team’s performance. He described the team as having a “glass jaw,” indicating they falter under pressure. Cronin also stated that some players on the roster were not recruited to play for the UCLA program.

Summary

UCLA suffered a 66-57 defeat to California, worsening their conference record to 1-4. The team’s persistent struggle to defend against three-point shots was a key factor in the loss.

This poor start is historically significant for the program, marking its worst in Pac-12 play since the 2002-03 season. The performance has led to strong public criticism from the head coach.

Mick Cronin identified a lack of toughness, using a “glass jaw” analogy to describe the team’s vulnerability. He also made remarks distancing the current roster’s composition from his own recruiting standards.

FAQs

**Why is this loss particularly significant for UCLA?**
This loss gives UCLA a 1-4 record in Pac-12 play, their worst conference start in nearly 20 years. It deepens concerns about a team that entered the season with high expectations.

What did Mick Cronin mean by “glass jaw”?
The term “glass jaw” is a boxing analogy describing a fighter who cannot withstand punches. Cronin used it to state his team lacks toughness and folds under the pressure applied by opponents.

What did Coach Cronin say about his roster?
Cronin explicitly stated that not every player on the current UCLA roster was recruited by him to play for the program. This comment highlights a perceived disconnect between the roster’s makeup and the coach’s vision.