UCLA Basketball: Despite Bruins Win, Mick Cronin Knows the Team's Biggest Issue

The Bruins came away with a big win, but head coach Mick Cronin still knows the team's biggest issue.

After suffering an embarrassing loss to Utah, the UCLA Bruins came alive and won in dominant fashion last night against the Washington Huskies. The final score of 73-61 is even more impressive considering the team never lost a lead in the entire game. 

The performance is a far cry from the past four losses, and head coach Mick Cronin had an honest assessment of the team despite their big win. 

“Obviously, today we won the game, but it doesn’t change the fact that we’re grossly inexperienced. I’ll be 62 before the season is over. Can’t lose anymore hair, though. That’s the positive.”

via 

Mick Cronin, UCLA Communications

Coach Cronin has long chastised the fact that the Bruins are a young team, and inexperience is their biggest downfall. The good news is players like Adem Bona can take the lead and show the younger players the tempo they need to be at. 

Bona finished the game with 22 points, which is a huge reason why they were able to secure a dominant win. However, Bona can often disappear at times.

Coach Cronin might sound a bit cynical about experiencing a win, but after losing to Utah 90-44, we understand his reservations about celebrating too early. 

The Bruins have every opportunity to turn things around, but that needs to start now. Last night's win is a start, but the team needs to move past its inexperience and play hard every second. 

The transition game is important and was a huge reason why the night belonged to the Bruins last night. Everyone on the team needs to understand that and play hard for the ball with every chance they get. 

Should the Bruins beat Arizona State on January 17, it will be their first back-to-back win since the start of the 2023 season.