Mick Cronin compliments UCLA for closing close game out

UCLA faced several challenges to its lead down the stretch, but had an answer each time in a 71-63 victory against Oregon State on Thursday. Will McClendon nailed a 3-pointer with 2:43 remaining to increase the advantage to 7 and the Bruins hung on for their fourth win in the past five games.

The Beavers had previously cut the lead down to just one point with a little more than five minutes remaining. Dylan Andrews answered with a 3-pointer to bring it back to a two-possession game, where it would stay the remainder of the way.

UCLA coach Mick Cronin spoke postgame on how his team was able to handle the pressure moments with poise down the stretch.

“In Power 5 leagues the average margin of victory, give or take, is around six points a game,” Cronin said. “So you’ve got to learn to win grinders in conference play. We closed it out late. Will hit a big shot. We got the ball to Adem (Bona) and got him fouled a couple of times. Will’s 3 was because Adem touched the ball, so we got the ball where it needed to go late in the game. We got some stops and some rebounds.”

Andrews and Bona each had 18 points apiece in the win to tie for the team-high. Lazar Stefanovic played all 40 minutes and chipped in 15, while McClendon had eight off the bench.

It wasn’t just the big shots from Andrews and McClendon, however. The UCLA defense also came up with several big defensive stops, holding Oregon State scoreless over a two-minute stretch following the 3 from Andrews.

After a 1-4 start to Pac-12 play, the Bruins (10-11, 5-5) are finally starting to gain some traction. They find themselves just two games back from first place in the conference and will continue to try to build upon their recent hot streak.

For now, Cronin believes they’ve earned the right to celebrate a win against what he considers to be a talented Oregon State squad.

“Wayne (Tinkle) does a great job,” Cronin said. “Coaches are rated based on fame, and the interesting thing is players decide how good your coaching is. It’s just reality. You guys have seen Phil Jackson when Michael retired versus when he came back, and I think Phil Jackson’s a genius. You just go down the line. Players determine it. Wayne Tinkle’s a great coach. He really is. He’s got a good young team. I’m happy with our win.”

UCLA will hope that carries over into a contest against Oregon at 7 p.m. PT on Saturday.