The UCLA Bruins faced a surprising defeat against Minnesota, losing 64-61. This was a game they simply couldn’t afford to lose given the current season’s stakes.
Before this matchup, UCLA had momentum, winning eight out of their last nine games and showing they could compete with the best teams in the conference. But the loss against Minnesota echoed their earlier struggles, reminding fans of a rough four-game losing streak from last month.
During the game, the Bruins struggled at the foul line, making only 9 out of 19 attempts. Scoring just 61 points tied for their third-lowest total of the season. After the game, Coach Mick Cronin expressed his disappointment.
He pointed out that the team seemed too focused on individual performance rather than playing solid defense. “When you win a lot, you can lose your humility,” Cronin said. “Guys in the locker room worried more about shooting than defending. You can’t let that happen.” He acknowledged the free-throw struggle, admitting they missed too many shots, especially in the second half. But he stressed that the mental approach to the game needs to change.
Coach Cronin emphasized that worrying about personal stats is a losing mentality. Instead, the focus should be on teamwork and defense. He noted, “It’s not about making every free throw; it’s about being tough and playing defense.” With the season’s end approaching, fans should be cautious about the team’s mindset. It’s crucial to step up and play strong basketball, especially as they prepare to face Ohio State on Sunday.