3 UCLA Takeaways From Mick Cronin's Fiery Postgame Brief

Mick Cronin was not happy to say the least following UCLA's heartbreaking double-overtime loss

Jan 31, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Mick Cronin reacts on the bench in the second half against the Indiana Hoosiers at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

After losing a heartbreaker against Indiana, it was clear that Mick Cronin was not in the mood for post game questions.

The Bruins played a hard-fought game against Indiana, but when the final buzzer hit 0 for the third time, UCLA would walk out of their home arena as the loser. Looking ahead, the Bruins have a lot to make up. With a tough schedule ahead, UCLA might be in trouble.

UCLA's 'Glass Jaw' Mentality

Jan 31, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Mick Cronin reacts on the bench in the second half against the Indiana Hoosiers at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Earlier in the season Mick Cronin referred to the Bruins having a glass jaw. Meaning when they are hit, they have trouble responding. In this game, it was on full display. While UCLA was able to mount a comeback, it should never been in that position in the first place.

"Defense was awful all night. We deserve to lose. We went through a stretch where we were pouting and letting one shot affect the next shot. We couldn't score for a long time. That's how we got down 10, missing wide open shot after wide open shot. Because, um... We act like somebody stole our favorite toy and we're a three-year-old. Our defense was awful all night for the most part."

Mick Cronin

Addressing UCLA's Dry Spell

Jan 31, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Mick Cronin on the bench during the second overtime period against the Indiana Hoosiers at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

A big factor in UCLA's loss was the stretch of time in the second half where the Bruins could not make a shot. This would lead to the Hoosiers taking full control of the game all the way up until two minutes left in the game. Cronin was asked what he said to the guys during that time.

"You're talking about when we're missing shots, what do I say? I always say the same thing, no matter what. Just worry about defense, rebounding, and effort. I don't, unlike everybody else, I don't even talk to them about whether shots go in. Defense, rebounding, and effort, execution. There is no magic potion on shooting"

Mick Cronin

Cronin On Controverisal Call

Dec 23, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Mick Cronin reacts on the sidelines in the first half against the UC Riverside Highlanders at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

The Bruins were on the losing end of a very tricky call for refs. While it was reviewed it was not enough for the refs to overturn the call. This would then led to Indiana getting fouled on the inbound leading to Indiana free-throws that won them the game.

"Of course, my staff told me it was our ball. I just watched it. It sure looked like it was off Indiana's elbow. I just watched it. I'm watching it on a small iPad, but I watched it one time. I don't know. It's what I saw...Who the hell cares? Who it went off of. Indiana or UCLA. They clearly said it went off us."

Mick Cronin

Jan 17, 2026; Columbus, Ohio, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Mick Cronin reacts to a play during the second half against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Value City Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images | Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images

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