UCLA Basketball: Mick Cronin Reflects on Taking Down Rival Trojans on the Road

Cronin has his guys working hard at the right time.

The UCLA Bruins men's basketball team earned a solid victory over their rivals on Saturday night. UCLA went into the Galen Center and handed USC a convincing loss in front of a rowdy road fanbase.

It was the type of win that could help set off a string of games for a team, and the Bruins have been looking for a spark. It was also the first win for the Bruins at the Galen Center since the 2018 season.

Bruins head coach Mick Cronin reflected on taking down the Trojans on the road. It was his first win at the Galen Center of his career, so it was a sweet victory for himself.

“It’s going to feel good in about – I don’t know how traffic is – when I’m in that backyard smoking a Cohiba [cigar], it’s going to feel real good.”

Per Mick Cronin via UCLA Communications

Cronin understands that any wins UCLA can get right now will make a difference down the line. We are about to enter the month of February, and the conference tournaments aren't too far off.

The Bruins have been playing better of late, and it should help their standing when the tournaments start. Any wins gained could also help their chances within the NCAA Tournament seeding as well.

“Not a lot has shocked me, to be honest with you. I knew they were good kids. I knew I was going to have to put them in a position to win. We don’t have overwhelming talent. We don’t have a player of the year. So, we are going to have to figure out ways to do things. But I also have to make sure I give them some confidence."



Per Mick Cronin via UCLA Communications

This UCLA team has been up and down all season, but they are at least fighting to get better. The win over USC showed that, and it's been great to see them continue to push forward despite inconsistent play.