COLUMBUS, Ohio — Following an 86-74 loss to Ohio State on Saturday, UCLA coach Mick Cronin publicly shouldered the blame for his team’s struggles, stating, “Blame me — blame me. I recruited ‘em, I signed them as free agents. We’re not going to win meaningful games if we can’t stop the other team.” The Bruins, once considered contenders after landing transfer point guard Donovan Dent, are now facing a disappointing season marked by defensive lapses and rebounding deficiencies.
Defensive and Rebounding Woes
UCLA’s issues were starkly evident against the Buckeyes, where they were out-rebounded 37-27 and allowed 17 second-chance points. Ohio State shot 53% from the field, and guards John Mobley Jr. (28 points) and Bruce Thornton (21 points) proved particularly difficult for the Bruins to contain. Cronin lamented his team’s inability to defend, stating, “I’m highly disappointed in getting our ass kicked physically and our inability to play defense.”
Beyond the team’s overall defensive struggles, the performances of several key players have been underwhelming. Xavier Booker’s transition to center has not progressed as hoped, while Tyler Bilodeau lacks consistent offensive support. Dent, a highly touted transfer, has shown himself to be an average point guard at the Big Ten level.
Looking Ahead
The loss to Ohio State dropped UCLA to 12-6 overall and 4-3 in Big Ten play. Cronin acknowledged the team’s current trajectory, stating they “probably wouldn’t make the NCAA tournament if it started today.” With a challenging schedule ahead, including a Tuesday matchup against No. 5 Purdue, the Bruins face an uphill battle to turn their season around.
The team is also navigating injuries, currently playing without guard Skyy Clark for a fourth consecutive game. While Clark’s return is anticipated, his absence has not been adequately filled by Eric Freeny or Jamar Brown. Cronin is also evaluating the role of forward Xavier Booker, having removed him from the game early after a defensive breakdown.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the game between UCLA and Ohio State?
The final score was Ohio State 86, UCLA 74.
What did Coach Cronin say about his role in the team’s struggles?
Coach Cronin stated, “Blame me — blame me. I recruited ‘em, I signed them as free agents. We’re not going to win meaningful games if we can’t stop the other team.”
What is UCLA’s current record?
UCLA’s current record is 12-6 overall and 4-3 in Big Ten play.
Given the current challenges, what adjustments might UCLA need to make to regain its competitive edge?
