UCLA coach Mick Cronin uses NFSW language toward official, receives technical foul
Mick Cronin and UCLA have had a rough 2023-2024 season thus far, currently sitting two games under .500. However, getting a win on the road against rival Arizona would be a great step forward and would get the Bruins to 4-4 in Pac-12 play. Emotions are running high and late in the second half, Cronin may have gone a step too far when speaking to an official.
With just over six minutes to go, UCLA was up four points before a turnover was committed. Arizona drove to the basket and drew a foul, sending Pelle Larsson to the free-throw line for two shots. It quickly became four shots after Cronin received a technical foul.
Cronin made his opinion of the call known, yelling “F*** you” to the official. The ESPN camera then went to a different shot for a moment while the UCLA head coach continued. Eventually, they panned back where Cronin was still upset and using colorful language.
Larsson made all four free throws, tying the game up, and moving into a pivotal stretch. You can check out the full moment from Cronin here.
At one point in the first half, UCLA was up by 19 points, and everyone inside the McKale Center thought an upset was brewing. But the Arizona faithful is going to be incredibly happy with how the second half is developing, now watching a tie game.
Hopefully, the technical foul from Cronin does not come back to bite UCLA. It’s going to be a tight game down the stretch and those two Larsson free throws could prove to be critical.
UCLA in need of big win against Arizona
Every week, On3’s James Fletcher puts together the latest Bracketology, with UCLA looking from the outside in. Having a tough time in the nonconference has not helped and neither has dropping a few games against Pac-12 opponents.
Getting a win against Arizona would certainly be a step in the right direction, though. The Wildcats are thought to be one of the best teams in the country and Fletcher currently projects them to be a one-seed. With no Quad 1 wins, it would be a first for UCLA.
Even if Saturday afternoon ends in a positive fashion, there would be some work for Cronin’s team. Rattling off a few wins is likely a requirement to put themselves in position to be in position.
At the very least, beating Arizona and taking home a rivalry win would be a nice moment for everyone in Los Angeles to celebrate.