Sorry Dimitri but I was at the game, close to the court, and it was clear that late in the second half that Mara was totally gassed at times. He was walking slowly (like strolling) back to the defensive end after playing offense and Cronin was yelling and motioning him to get back quicker as SC was going to beat him down the court to score. Do not know if the TV cameras showed Cronin yelling and motioning and Mara struggling like that? Was not an offense-defense swap IMHO as Mara was playing both ends far better than Kyle when Mara was not out of gas. Actually, my thought at the time was that Cronin was leaving Mara in too long without giving him a blow. If Cronin had not substituted Kyle and others in a few times to give Mara some rest, Mara would not have been able to retreat quick enough under the basket to play any defense. Kyle was not effective but he did help give Mara the blows he needed to finish the game.
Yes, I saw that but did not know what was said. Mara was being mugged a little but he has to get use to that. I was more concerned when he was kicked in the knee and hobble around a bit. Cronin took him out and shortly put him back in and he appeared OK.
Once again, no Bilodeau, no problem--U$C sure made it interesting at the end, but thankfully the Bruins held on to win. It's been quite an entertaining season so far with UCLA finally beating Gonzaga, followed by losing 4 in a row. Great defense, not enough offense. The "soft" and "delusional" public scolding, the anti-Cronin fever, followed by the emergence of Mara, the Bruins shooting better, and winning 4 in a row.
Biggest surprise (a good one!) for me has been Mara. It wasn't too long ago most folks didn't think very highly of him, but now he could be the most impactful Bruin going forward. Wonder if he can eventually become as good as another talented center from Spain, Pau Gasol.
the Ryan Day comparison is pretty good. Most level headed fans recognize that Cronin is one of the best coaches in the country. If UCLA fired him, he'd immediately be the top candidate by far for coaching vacancies next season and would end up at a blue blood if a job popped up.
With the exception of beating Wisconsin at home, the teams we’ve beaten so far in this 4-game run are simply not that good. Two big tests loom with Michigan State and Oregon this Thursday. At least those will be home games!
I think the past 4 games also provided a team mental reset, more practice, and an overdue acknowledgement of Mara's potential and working him into the rotation. Oregon will of course try to avenge their earlier loss to the Bruins, but I believe beating MSU would add more to UCLA's consideration as a legitimate tournament contender. Per the typical Coach Cronin-led team, I'd expect a couple of grinding/gritty, nail-biting, closely-fought contests (i.e., win ugly or barely lose, maybe with some luck involved in either case). Yes, the home crowd will certainly help.
UCLA Coach Cronin has beaten MSU Coach Izzo before, which was that 86-80 OT victory in the First Four game that started the Bruins' 2021 March Madness run to the Final Four (the Bruins were actually down by 11 at the half). Hoping for another upset on Tuesday, but unfortunately that damn Peacock streaming service is broadcasting the game... :-(
I've had this team pegged as a Sweet 16 or Round of 32 team depending on the draw. If if Mara keeps improving, this team has real potential to make a run.
Biggest thing will hinge on Mara’s conditioning and Cronin’s willingness to run the offense through him. He’s too much of a mismatch for us to not run back doors and off ball screens waiting for an easy pass from him.
Current starting line up with Bilodeau at the 5 is undersized and overmatched.
Agree đŸ’¯. Bilo at the 5 needs to be put in the archives. Bilo and Mara or Bilo and Kyle, when Mara needs a break. Mara really opens up the offense and gives us great ball movement with his passing skills.
probably not, but I think if he keeps playing this well, Elite 8 could be a reasonable expectation. Failing to make the sweet 16 would certainly be a disappointment if he keeps playing the way he is. I don't have a huge problem with the roster construction like other. But the problem is everyone is knew. It was almost a total line change, so the team is new to one another and should only improve as they learn to play together.
I do believe the team is finding their identity, both on defense and offense. The offensive flow seems much better overall, and I think Cronin is giving the players more leeway to make a few mistakes. I think they are all playing with more freedom and it is having a positive impact.
Sorry Dimitri but I was at the game, close to the court, and it was clear that late in the second half that Mara was totally gassed at times. He was walking slowly (like strolling) back to the defensive end after playing offense and Cronin was yelling and motioning him to get back quicker as SC was going to beat him down the court to score. Do not know if the TV cameras showed Cronin yelling and motioning and Mara struggling like that? Was not an offense-defense swap IMHO as Mara was playing both ends far better than Kyle when Mara was not out of gas. Actually, my thought at the time was that Cronin was leaving Mara in too long without giving him a blow. If Cronin had not substituted Kyle and others in a few times to give Mara some rest, Mara would not have been able to retreat quick enough under the basket to play any defense. Kyle was not effective but he did help give Mara the blows he needed to finish the game.
Yes, I saw that but did not know what was said. Mara was being mugged a little but he has to get use to that. I was more concerned when he was kicked in the knee and hobble around a bit. Cronin took him out and shortly put him back in and he appeared OK.
Mara was gassed.
4th straight victory.
$uc loses America wins
Once again, no Bilodeau, no problem--U$C sure made it interesting at the end, but thankfully the Bruins held on to win. It's been quite an entertaining season so far with UCLA finally beating Gonzaga, followed by losing 4 in a row. Great defense, not enough offense. The "soft" and "delusional" public scolding, the anti-Cronin fever, followed by the emergence of Mara, the Bruins shooting better, and winning 4 in a row.
Biggest surprise (a good one!) for me has been Mara. It wasn't too long ago most folks didn't think very highly of him, but now he could be the most impactful Bruin going forward. Wonder if he can eventually become as good as another talented center from Spain, Pau Gasol.
Go Bruins!
The demise of Cronin was greatly exaggerated.
It sounds more than unreasonable. It sounds like they have mental problems. đŸ¤£
they just really like being unhappy.
the Ryan Day comparison is pretty good. Most level headed fans recognize that Cronin is one of the best coaches in the country. If UCLA fired him, he'd immediately be the top candidate by far for coaching vacancies next season and would end up at a blue blood if a job popped up.
I was elated with the Bruin win and especially being spared seeing Muss rip his shirt off. lol
Ahhhh yes, I remember the shirt 'rip off' đŸ¤£
i stopped listening to them once i realized one of their main critiques was that he yells at players.
With the exception of beating Wisconsin at home, the teams we’ve beaten so far in this 4-game run are simply not that good. Two big tests loom with Michigan State and Oregon this Thursday. At least those will be home games!
I think the past 4 games also provided a team mental reset, more practice, and an overdue acknowledgement of Mara's potential and working him into the rotation. Oregon will of course try to avenge their earlier loss to the Bruins, but I believe beating MSU would add more to UCLA's consideration as a legitimate tournament contender. Per the typical Coach Cronin-led team, I'd expect a couple of grinding/gritty, nail-biting, closely-fought contests (i.e., win ugly or barely lose, maybe with some luck involved in either case). Yes, the home crowd will certainly help.
Go Bruins!
UCLA Coach Cronin has beaten MSU Coach Izzo before, which was that 86-80 OT victory in the First Four game that started the Bruins' 2021 March Madness run to the Final Four (the Bruins were actually down by 11 at the half). Hoping for another upset on Tuesday, but unfortunately that damn Peacock streaming service is broadcasting the game... :-(
Can get a 7 day free trial on Peacock.
I've had this team pegged as a Sweet 16 or Round of 32 team depending on the draw. If if Mara keeps improving, this team has real potential to make a run.
Are you thinking Final 4 is a real possibility if Mara becomes consistently a dominant player?
Biggest thing will hinge on Mara’s conditioning and Cronin’s willingness to run the offense through him. He’s too much of a mismatch for us to not run back doors and off ball screens waiting for an easy pass from him.
Current starting line up with Bilodeau at the 5 is undersized and overmatched.
Agree đŸ’¯. Bilo at the 5 needs to be put in the archives. Bilo and Mara or Bilo and Kyle, when Mara needs a break. Mara really opens up the offense and gives us great ball movement with his passing skills.
Mara also doesn't really have to jump to get rebounds and block shots. :-)
Glad he stayed this season and hope he comes back for his junior year as well.
probably not, but I think if he keeps playing this well, Elite 8 could be a reasonable expectation. Failing to make the sweet 16 would certainly be a disappointment if he keeps playing the way he is. I don't have a huge problem with the roster construction like other. But the problem is everyone is knew. It was almost a total line change, so the team is new to one another and should only improve as they learn to play together.
I do believe the team is finding their identity, both on defense and offense. The offensive flow seems much better overall, and I think Cronin is giving the players more leeway to make a few mistakes. I think they are all playing with more freedom and it is having a positive impact.
Anyone know if bilodeau is coming back tonight?
Read online we might see T-Bill tonight