When Mick Cronin faced the most excruciating loss of his career, he did so with the determination to scout the same opponent for a rematch the following season. The final sequence was a sight to behold – UCLA’s Johnny Juzang’s putback tied the score against Gonzaga in the 2021 Final Four classic with just 3.3 seconds remaining in overtime. However, Cronin’s pause during the replay meant that Jalen Suggs never took the inbounds pass, never dribbled past halfcourt, and never made the shot that crushed every Bruin’s heart.
As the clock ticked on, Gonzaga once again delivered a devastating blow in the NCAA tournament’s Sweet 16. Just moments after Amari Bailey’s three-pointer gave UCLA a late lead, Gonzaga’s Julian Strawther hit another game-winning shot from the edge of the March Madness logo at center court. How could the same opponent crush Cronin’s soul twice in such a similar fashion?
Fast forward to the upcoming game this Saturday where UCLA (10-2) faces off against Gonzaga (9-3) at the Intuit Dome. Cronin, with an 0-4 record against Gonzaga and a history of bitter defeats, hopes to turn the tide. Despite his resilient spirit, the losses continue to haunt him, with the toughest defeats always being the ones that end the season.
Moreover, injuries have played a significant role in Cronin’s heartbreak, with key players sidelined during critical moments. From Jaylen Clark to Adem Bona to a food-poisoned Jules Bernard and a sprained-ankled Jaime Jaquez Jr., UCLA has faced its fair share of challenges in crucial games. Yet, Cronin remains steadfast in his pursuit of victory, acknowledging that sometimes, things just don’t go your way.
The repeated heartbreak has not deterred Cronin’s resolve. In fact, one of his biggest failures led to one of his greatest successes – becoming the coach at UCLA. Despite the setbacks, Cronin maintains a perspective grounded in gratitude and perseverance, recognizing that the journey to victory is paved with obstacles. As he gears up to face his formidable opponent once again, Cronin’s determination remains unwavering, fueled by the hope that this time, the ball will bounce in his favor.
