UCLA Men's Basketball Falls to Minnesota 78-73

Bruins' defensive struggles continue in road loss

Mar. 3, 2026 at 3:47am

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The UCLA men's basketball team's two-game winning streak came to an end with a 78-73 loss to Minnesota on Saturday. The Bruins allowed the Golden Gophers to shoot 62.5% in the second half and hit 12 3-pointers, including a career-high seven from forward Bobby Durkin, who scored a team-high 23 points. UCLA was led by forward Tyler Bilodeau's game-high 32 points, but the team's defensive issues that have plagued them all season were on full display again in the loss.

Why it matters

This loss drops UCLA to 1-6 in games played outside the Pacific Time Zone and 3-9 in road games this season, continuing their struggles away from home. Head coach Mick Cronin has expressed frustration with his team's defensive deficiencies all year, and this game highlighted those problems once again.

The details

Minnesota shot an efficient 62.5% from the field in the second half, with three players scoring at least 21 points. Durkin's career-high seven 3-pointers were a big factor in the Golden Gophers' offensive outburst. Despite UCLA shooting 50.9% overall and winning the rebounding battle 30-20, their defense was unable to slow down Minnesota's balanced attack.

  • The game was played on Saturday, March 1, 2026.

The players

Mick Cronin

The head coach of the UCLA men's basketball team, who has expressed frustration with his team's defensive struggles this season.

Tyler Bilodeau

A UCLA forward who scored a game-high 32 points in the loss.

Bobby Durkin

A Minnesota forward who hit a career-high seven 3-pointers and scored a team-high 23 points.

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What they’re saying

“You should win, but not with this team. We've struggled defensively all year, my friend. I mean, it's been a grind, something I haven't experienced in really 30 years in college — 23 as a head coach, seven as an assistant. I've never experienced anything like this. We've just got deficiencies and they exposed them, give them all the credit.”

— Mick Cronin, Head Coach, UCLA Men's Basketball

What’s next

The Bruins will look to bounce back in their next game, which is scheduled for Thursday, March 6 against conference rival USC.

The takeaway

This loss highlights the continued defensive struggles for the UCLA men's basketball team, which has been a persistent issue all season long. The Bruins' inability to slow down opposing offenses, especially on the road, has been a major factor in their inconsistent performance this year.