UCLA Basketball: Mick Cronin Discusses Coaching Through Major Absences

Even with four of their five projected starters on the shelf (Will McClendon did play, but he didn't make much of an impact), your UCLA Bruins annihilated the Cal State Dominguez Hills Toros at home in Pauley Pavilion to the tune of a 97-56 massacre this Halloween.

UCLA terrified the Toros into submission with its length, shooting and defense, even though essentially its B-team was the group responsible for putting the hurt on Dominguez Hills. 

Fifth-year Bruins head coach Mick Cronin spoke after the game, per UCLA, about how he managed to galvanize the troops, even with so many wounded soldiers absent.

“Very happy with our guys’ effort," Cronin said. "We had 41 deflections. Obviously, you guys all know we only had eight scholarship guys tonight. Unfortunately, I’m used to coaching without my team. Just go back to last season. Last season, the conference tournament, the (NCAA) Tournament, the summer, [a team trip to] Spain. So, it’s a bad habit. I’d like to end it. I’m trying to get these guys to understand what we’re all about at UCLA which is playing defense and have your mind on defense. If you got your mind on the right things, results will follow. As (associate athletic director Chris Carlson) told me, you’re trying to break bad habits and build good habits at the same time. It’s really hard, but that’s the life of coaching seven freshmen."

The Bruins' regular season kicks off on November 6th, when the Saint Francis Red Flash will touch down in Westwood.

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