Mick Cronin wins the 500th professional competition
Mick Cronin reached a milestone, UCLA won a crucial victory, and Pauley Pavilion recognized one of the great men in history.
On a meaningful night, Eric Dailey Jr. scored 20 points while the Bruins resisted Sunday’s 69-61 victory in a late Ohio State surge. The victory marked Cronin’s 500th professional victory, which proved his steady climb in college basketball.
Coach Mick Cronin… with guys, afterward. 𝟓𝟎𝟎. #gobruins | @coachmickcronin 🏀🙌 pic.twitter.com/sdrnbr3aju
– UCLA Men’s Basketball (@uclambb) February 24, 2025
Cronin’s Legacy: 500 Wins and Count
Now, Cronin has won 135 games at Westwood in his sixth season at UCLA, adding to his 296 wins in Cincinnati, And won 69 wins at Murray State. His 500-232 career record in 22 seasons reflects a coaching journey defined by resilience, defensive intensity and playoff success.
The road to 500 began in 2003 at Murray State, where Cronin led racers to two NCAA tournament appearances and reached 16 sweet 16 in 2012.
Win Mick Cronin’s No. 500 @uclambb pic.twitter.com/1whujhrprh
– CBS Sports College Basketball 🏀 (@cbssportscbb) February 23, 2025
His arrival at UCLA in 2019 was suspected, but Cronin quickly silenced the skeptics. By his second season, he led the Bruins from the first four games to the last four games, which was the Cinderella run, restoring UCLA’s national popularity. He then went on to win the 2023 sweet 16 games back-to-back games and the Pac-12 regular season championship.
UCLA’s late surge ensures victory
The Bruins (20-8, 11-6 huge Big Ten) now wins nine of their last 11 games, and Sunday’s win is another step to solidify their NCAA Championship hopes.
After leading 28-24 at the end of the half, UCLA expanded its advantage earlier in the second half due to Daly’s hot start. He scored his first nine points in the period, helping to raise the lead to 39-30 in the opening four minutes.
Rather than talking about his 500th victory, Mick Cronin shares stories from fake funerals to Murray State Media. From Jeff van Gundy to Mike Kerzwiski pic.twitter.com/mrpm9g1gke
— Aaron Heisen (@aaron_heisen) February 24, 2025
Ohio State (15-13, 7-10) fought back to cut the deficit to 39-37, but Skyy Clark’s reaction responded with two clutch threes to restore the 9-point pad. The Bruins have three minutes left to extend the lead to 13 points before the Buckeyes hit the final shot.
John Mobley Jr.’s three-pointer, leaving 22 seconds left to UCLA’s lead of 67-61, but Clark calmly sank two free throws to win.
Clark scored 13 points, while Sebastian Mack (11 points) and Aday Mara (10 points) also contributed to UCLA. Bruce Thornton led Ohio State with 21 points, with Micah Parrish adding 12 points to his fourth loss in seven games.
Memorial to Bill Walton
With the UCLA paying tribute to the late Bill Walton, who died in May 2024 after battling cancer.
Walton is one of the most popular figures in Bruins history, leading UCLA to two national titles (1972, 1973) and remains the top player in college basketball. one. Another legend from UCLA, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, expressed admiration for Walton in a CBS interview, highlighting his views on the game and The impact of the plan.
Cronin commented on this to CBS’s Tiffany Blackmon.
Mick Cronin
“Today’s about Bill [Walton]. He is UCLA. It’s a very special day. ”
Amazing
(pass @cbssportscbb 🎥)
– Hoop Herald (@TheHoopherald) February 24, 2025
With momentum building, UCLA is now preparing to compete against No. 13 Purdue on Friday, a test that could further strengthen their game resume.
Meanwhile, Ohio State is still facing USC in Los Angeles on Wednesday, hoping to keep the playoff hopes.
Sunday is more than just another win for the Bruins. This is a milestone for Cronin, a tribute to the legend, and a step towards March madness.
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