Top Takeaways from Mick Cronin After UCLA–Oregon

UCLA Bruins head coach Mick Cronin sounded off after the big win over the Oregon Ducks.

Dec 6, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Mick Cronin reacts during the first half against the Oregon Ducks at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Mick Cronin addressed the media following back-to-back confrence wins on the year.

UCLA was able to thrash Oregon 74-63, in a win that marks a turning point for a squad that had just two games before losing to a struggling Cal team. Here is what Mick Cronin had to say following the dominant win:

Mick Cronin on Eric Dailey Jr's Bounce Back Game

Dec 6, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Mick Cronin talks with guard Eric Dailey Jr. (3) during the first half against the Oregon Ducks at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Eric Dailey Jr needed a big game in this one, and he did. In the game against Washington, the only stat he accounted for was minutes and fouls. Against Oregon, he would put up 18 points and eight rebounds, showing us that the game against Washington was a rare occurrence. What Cronin said:

Yeah, but one thing about Eric, man, he doesn't lack for confidence. He always gives you effort, most proud of his eight rebounds. He had one bad play in the second half

Cronin on Eric Dailey Jr

Cronin on Skyy Clark's Foul Trouble

Dec 6, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Oregon Ducks forward Sean Stewart (13) and UCLA Bruins guard Skyy Clark (55) battle for a rebound during the first half at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Skyy Clark had a very solid game, but a few missteps prompted Mick Cronin to call them out during the postgame presser. It was clear from Cronin’s comments how highly he thinks of Clark, which only reinforces that these mistakes have to stop.

I have to teach Skyy Clark to quit fouling. He had the worst foul in history with one on the shot clock on the three-pointer...the guy's taking a desperation shot, what are we doing? What are we doing?... He can't be in foul trouble every game. He's got to stop;

Cronin on Skyy Clark's fouling issues

Mick Cronin: Donovan Dent Is Too Hard on Himself

Nov 3, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Mick Cronin talks to guard Donovan Dent (2) during the second half against the Eastern Washington Eagles at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images | Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

You could tell from the game that Donovan Dent has been very hard on himself as of late. The star point guard for the Bruins has struggled this season, and you can see how frustrating it is for him. Mick Cronin had a message for him:

You're an extremely smart player. Just be a leader and worry about your defense. Be a leader and worry about your team. Just worry about your team, worry about making your team win. And then, you know, we all know he's going to have monster nights because you've seen him. He's got it in him

Mick Cronin on Donovan Dent

Dec 6, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Oregon Ducks guard Wei Lin (23) defends UCLA Bruins guard Donovan Dent (2) during the first half at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Overall, it was a really strong showing from the blue and gold. Hopefully, they can build off this win and carry that momentum into their matchup with a dominant Gonzaga team that’s been rolling through opponents all season.

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