UCLA Basketball Coach Mick Cronin Promises Lineup Changes After Blowout Loss

Cronin blasted his players' effort and decision-making following a 30-point defeat to Michigan.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

UCLA basketball suffered a blowout 86-56 loss to Michigan, and head coach Mick Cronin was highly critical of his team's performance, especially in the second half. Cronin promised lineup changes, saying he is "searching for guys that will play for the team and not for stats" after players missed several open 3-pointers and took "horrendous" shots.

Why it matters

As a perennial NCAA Tournament contender, UCLA's lopsided defeat to Michigan raises concerns about the team's chemistry and focus. Cronin's willingness to make lineup changes signals he is not satisfied with the current roster's effort and execution, which could have significant implications for the Bruins' postseason aspirations.

The details

Cronin said the team was "God-awful" in the second half, missing eight unguarded 3-pointers. He expressed frustration with players who "won't pass the ball" and have "no interest" in playing defense, calling it the "worst second-half defensive field-goal percentage" of his 23-year coaching career.

  • The loss occurred on Valentine's Day, February 14, 2026.

The players

Mick Cronin

The head coach of the UCLA basketball team, who has been highly critical of his players' effort and decision-making following the blowout loss.

Donny

A UCLA player who missed several open 3-pointers, according to Cronin.

Book

Another UCLA player who missed multiple unguarded 3-point attempts, as cited by Cronin.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Yeah, look, we just--we were awful in the second half. We were God-awful; we missed eight unguarded 3s--unguarded. If you're going to come in here and win, you've got to score. That said, we've got some guys that won't pass the ball--that's frustrating--we have some guys who have no interest--this is the worst second-half defensive field-goal percentage of my career in 23 years.”

— Mick Cronin, Head Coach, UCLA Basketball (clutchpoints.com)

“I've addressed it all year, and it will be addressed with one lineup change, maybe more.”

— Mick Cronin, Head Coach, UCLA Basketball (clutchpoints.com)

“Yeah, I'm searching for guys that will play for the team and not for stats--I thought we took some horrendous, horrendous shots today and the whole game plan was, do not take a bad shot or do not turn the ball over.”

— Mick Cronin, Head Coach, UCLA Basketball (clutchpoints.com)

What’s next

Cronin indicated that lineup changes are coming, with the possibility of more than one adjustment, as he looks to find players who will prioritize team play over individual statistics.

The takeaway

Cronin's strong criticism of his team's effort and decision-making, coupled with his promise of lineup changes, suggests he is willing to make significant adjustments to get the Bruins back on track after this lopsided defeat. The coach's focus on finding players who will "play for the team" rather than individual stats could have a significant impact on UCLA's rotation and chemistry as they aim to bounce back from this disappointing performance.