UCLA Advances in Big Ten Tournament with Strong Defense

CHICAGO – Mick Cronin had an important thought for his team regarding their postseason chances.

“If we need to score 80 points to win, we might not last long,” the UCLA basketball coach remarked late Thursday night.

The Bruins are set to play at least one more game in the Big Ten Tournament, thanks in large part to their solid defense, which has allowed them to win without relying heavily on offense.

UCLA secured a 72-59 win against Rutgers University at the United Center, showcasing their latest defensive prowess. This marks their third consecutive victory, and they’ve clinched five wins in their last six, mainly due to strong defensive play.

This performance was particularly encouraging for a team that had struggled defensively earlier in the season, averaging 60 points against in their last four wins.

Cronin emphasized the importance of good defense when not playing at home. “Your shots may not always drop on the road,” he noted.

But, on Thursday, the Bruins’ shooting was off, and they managed only 38.3 percent from the field— their lowest shooting percentage in a win this season. From beyond the arc, they struggled further, making just 7 of 23 attempts (30.4 percent).

However, they found success on the defensive end, with forward Brandon Williams recording three steals and backup big man Xavier Booker contributing two blocks.

“Our energy was high, and we played really well defensively,” said UCLA point guard Donovan Dent, who notched 12 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds, becoming the first player in Big Ten Tournament history to achieve a triple-double. “When shots aren’t falling, we just ramp up the defense. We’re doing a great job at it right now.”

The Bruins excelled at limiting Tarik Francis, who had scored 29 points just a night earlier against Minnesota. Under the watch of UCLA guard Skye Clark and reserve guard Eric Freeney, Francis missed his first five shots, ending the first half without scoring.

He only managed to score two free throws with nine minutes left in the game and finished with six points on 2 of 11 shooting.

Rutgers coach Steve Pikiell acknowledged the Bruins’ efforts, stating, “They really harassed him. Mick’s a fantastic defensive coach. His preparation showed.”

Cronin pointed out that Francis had several open shot opportunities but also noted that his players lost track of Rutgers guard Harun Zurno, who managed three 3-pointers in the first half.

Yet, in the grand scheme, it was the final score that counted. “They only scored 59 points,” Cronin said, referencing his mentor Bob Huggins. “You win even when your shots aren’t falling. That’s how you achieve success.”

Cronin recalled a stretch when he coached at Cincinnati, winning nine games in a row despite shooting under 40 percent. “If you can’t win when the shots don’t fall, you’re just an average team.”

So, what’s next for the Bruins? They’ll face No. 3 seed Michigan State next, a team that previously scored 82 points in a commanding victory.

“We still have a lot to prepare for before our game,” Cronin said, hinting at the challenges ahead. “We’ll see how good our defense is if we advance.”

If they continue to perform well defensively, they’ll enter Sunday’s championship game with renewed hope.