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UCLA was embarrassed on the floor Tuesday night.
Mick Cronin made sure the night ended with something even more awkward.
The game itself was decisive from the start. Michigan State led 43-23 at halftime. UCLA never made a real run in the second half, only trimming the deficit briefly into the high teens before suffering a 82-59 loss.
“We just got thoroughly outplayed,” Cronin said. “I thought that was their best game they played all year.”
That much was undeniable. But the frustration did not stop with the final buzzer.
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When asked about potential lineup changes after previously suggesting one could be coming, Cronin dismissed the idea.
“I had 37 different lineups in there tonight. Who starts is irrelevant…I subbed 8 million times tonight. I know what you’re getting at, but what’s the difference?”
The tone never softened. When asked whether UCLA has enough talent to compete with teams like Michigan and Michigan State, Cronin deflected.
“I’ll leave you to that. I just keep coaching my team.”
On if his group is still fighting, he answered bluntly.
“Can’t score, you can’t win, buddy. Can’t score, can’t win. Real simple.”
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He returned repeatedly to effort and physicality.
“We don’t play hard enough,” Cronin said. “I’ve been telling you that all year. We’re not physical enough to be at the upper part of this league.”
Then came the exchange that was far more uncomfortable. When asked about Michigan State’s student section chanting former Spartan, and now UCLA forward, Xavier Booker’s name, Cronin snapped.
“I could give a rat’s ass about the other team’s student section.”
He didn’t stop there.
“I would like to give you kudos for the worst question I’ve ever been asked. Do you really think I care about the other team?”
When the reporter attempted to clarify, Cronin intensified his performance.
“Are you raising your voice at me?” “No,” the reporter replied.
“Yeah, you are. Yeah, you are. Everybody’s standing here listening to you.”
After insisting “this is on camera,” the moment felt less like a hallway scrum and more like a staged production.
For a Los Angeles–based head coach, it played like an over-the-top audition, a dramatic exchange that overshadowed the game and ensured the clip would travel far beyond East Lansing.
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There were reasonable basketball points buried in the frustration. Cronin pulled Steven Jamerson II after a late flagrant foul, saying, “If you want to be a tough guy, you need to do it during the game for a block out for a rebound.” He acknowledged that some players are competing “below their capabilities.”
But leadership is not only about identifying problems. It is also about composure when the questions come.
UCLA was dismantled on the court.
Cronin made sure the night ended with a scene that did not help his program.
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