3 Biggest Takeaways From Victorious UCLA Press Conference

Here is what Mick Cronin had to say following UCLA's win against Oregon

Mar 19, 2025; Lexington, KY, USA; UCLA head coach Mick Cronin speaks with media during NCAA Tournament First Round Practice at Rupp Arena. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images | Aaron Doster-Imagn Images

The Bruins were able to cruise past Oregon 73-57 in a very convincing fashion.

UCLA is starting to gain some momentum, especially with how their defense is playing. This is now three-games in a row where the Bruins have given up less than 70 points. It seems like Mick Cronin has finally found his rhythm with this new roster.

Gameplan vs Oregon

Oregon forward Kwame Evans Jr. goes up for a shot as the Oregon Ducks host the UCLA Bruins on Jan. 28, 2026, at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Oregon. | Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Entering this game, it was clear the Ducks had a massive disadvantage. Three of their four highest scorers were on the bench with injuries. Including their leading scorer, center Nate Bittle. With Bittle out, the Ducks would need to rely on shooting to get the win. They would go 9-32 from three.

"The guys did a good job defensively, I thought. We want to make them beat us from the outside. Not their strength right now. They're ranked pretty low in the Big Ten in three-point shooting. I thought by doing that we'd also keep him off the foul line. You go on the road, you give up. You start giving up layups and-ones and fouling people. Teams build confidence. Defensively, our game plan, the guys did a pretty good job."

Mick Cronin

Workload is Getting Concerning

Jan 10, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Skyy Clark (55) looks on from the court prior to the game against the Maryland Terrapins at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Skyy Clark has now missed seven games in a row for the Bruins. While the Bruins have been good without him, the minutes are starting to add up, and over time, that will just cause more problems. Moving forward, Cronin needs to figure out how to give his guards more rest.

"Everybody's fighting through injuries. Obviously, Oregon is. Without Sky Clark, I'm playing Trent Perry and Donovan Dent mostly the whole game. The problem is that's not one game. It's our last seven games. We're 5-2 without Sky, and those guys have just logged a lot of minutes. So I'm concerned about the quick turnaround for Saturday. But we got the job done. I liked how we attacked the rim and got to the foul line."

Mick Cronin

How Cronin Kept UCLA in Check

Jan 20, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Mick Cronin reacts toward officials after not getting a foul call in the first half against the Purdue Boilermakers at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

The Bruins have not played their best when the odds are in their favor this season. Cal, Cal Poly, to name a few, are games where the Bruins had a great advantage on paper. The odds could not be more in their favor against Oregon, meaning UCLA had to stay on the gas pedal.

"No, we don't really operate that way. I think the guys... You know, players are in tune to the coach. In any situation. Like that. I'm more intense in our preparation. Where if you're playing the number one team in the country, you don't even have to. Your players are going to be intense. I make sure that, in situations like this, that... I bring the intensity and the focus and the guys see how in tune I am to a game like this. And now we also just pause the film as they're beating Michigan and Michigan State. Right behind me in the second half in this building last week."

Mick Cronin

Jan 20, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Mick Cronin reacts toward officials after not getting a foul call in the second half against the Purdue Boilermakers at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Ensure you follow on X (Twitter) @UCLAInsideronSI to keep up with every story surrounding UCLA athletics! Please let us know your thoughts on this when you like our Facebook page WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE.

Never again miss one major story related to your beloved Bruins when you sign up for our 100% FREE newsletter that comes straight to your email with the latest news. SIGN UP HERE NOW