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"That Was Ridiculous"

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"That Was Ridiculous"

“I get it. It’s probably virtually impossible to make the schedule, but I just know it hasn’t been good for us.”  Follow me on Twitter at @ezsniper14 for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in NBA and College Basketball, click here! Coming into the week […]

“I get it. It’s probably virtually impossible to make the schedule, but I just know it hasn’t been good for us.” 

Follow me on Twitter at @ezsniper14 for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in NBA and College Basketball, click here!

Coming into the week 22nd in the AP Top 25, UCLA will almost surely fall from the rankings after climbing to 15th earlier this season. “And take nothing away from Maryland, a really good team at home, but you got to defend my players. If you can just mug guys and chop their arms off, throw them out of the way, it’s hard to run any offense.” Along with the USC Trojans and Oregon Ducks, UCLA joined the Big Ten before this season following the dissolution of the PAC-12. Perhaps part of Cronin’s frustration derives from what his comments imply is favoritism toward established Big Ten schools. 

UCLA Bruins, Mick Cronin
Dec 8, 2024; Eugene, Oregon, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Mick Cronin during the second half against the Oregon Ducks at Matthew Knight Arena. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images

Mick Cronin Irked As Well By Uneven Schedule for UCLA Bruins

The Bruins trailed 61-50 with 5:14 to go when Cronin was tossed. A similar loose ball play had happened several minutes before, resulting in a steal and fastbreak bucket for the Terrapins. Cronin cited one-sided non-calls as a consistent theme in the game: Cronin also took issue with UCLA’s recent scheduling disadvantage: Cronin incurred two quick technicals when he erupted on the sidelines following a missed Bruins free throw and loose ball secured by Maryland after what appeared to be significant contact to the UCLA player who initially grabbed the rebound. 

The UCLA Bruins have stumbled through a frustrating stretch of games, losing four of five, and coach Mick Cronin found plenty to vent about after his team’s 79-61 loss to Maryland. 

Maryland Terrapins
Maryland’s Derik Queen battles with Purdue’s Caleb Furst in their game on December 8.

Since starting 10-1 (1-0), the Bruins have struggled in conference play, losing three straight to Nebraska, Michigan, and now Maryland. Friday’s road loss drops them to 11-5 overall and 2-3 in the Big Ten. He went on to mention that, for Tuesday’s game, Michigan arrived in Los Angeles three days ahead of the hosting Bruins, who surrendered 36 points to Wolverine center Vladislov Goldin and fell 94-75.
With devastating wildfires ravaging the state, scheduling issues indeed pose an amplified concern moving forward for California teams and visiting opponents. 

UCLA Bruins, Mick Cronin
Dec 14, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Mick Cronin against the Arizona Wildcats at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Looking Ahead to Get-Right Spot Vs Rutgers

Led by junior forward Tyler Bilodeau (14.9 PPG, 40.4 3PT%)) and sophomore Eric Dailey (11.3 PPG, 41.0 3PT%), they will have a chance to regroup Monday against Rutgers (8-8, 1-4).As part of what he perceived as bigger picture injustice, it was enough to send Cronin through the roof. “In defense of my guys, I didn’t think we were given any chance to win in the second half….I don’t remember the last time I had a technical. I had enough. I’m sending a message. I’m tired of it. I know we’re the outsider and all that — us, SC and Oregon — but that was ridiculous.”

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“In defense of my players, we didn’t have a lot of time. We had one day to prepare. We had to travel on a five-hour-and-50-minute flight. They got home Sunday. They had two extra days. Now Rutgers is sitting at home, and they got an extra day. I haven’t mapped all this out, but I sure hope it swings our way at some point.”

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