Mick Cronin describes UCLA's mental state entering Pac-12 Tournament

The mission for UCLA is a simple one. If the Bruins want to make the NCAA Tournament, they will have to win out in Las Vegas this week. Mick Cronin has never won a Pac-12 Tournament during his time in Westwood but if there was a time to pull through and lift the trophy, this week would be it.

UCLA has been up and down throughout the entire season, ending with a win against Arizona State following a five-game losing streak. Cronin was asked about his team’s mental state, claiming it’s been good all season. He knows the players are out there trying and the losses have not come down to no effort being displayed.

“Tough to say,” Cronin said. “It’s been quick. I gave them Sunday off to freshen up, hoping it’s going to be a long week. They had a good workout yesterday. But our mental state has been good all year. I’ve been telling people that all year. This team has never cared for lack of caring or lack of effort. That hasn’t been anything we’ve fought all year.”

Going on streaks has been UCLA’s main theme in Pac-12 play. They have two different losing streaks of four games and then five, with a run of six consecutive wins also mixed in there. Consistency, from a winning perspective, has not been present.

Luckily, the Bruins got a nice draw in the Pac-12 Tournament with who they are lined up against. First up will be Oregon State, a team UCLA has already beaten twice this season. Making it three in a row would mean a matchup against Oregon (1-1 but won the latest contest on Feb. 3.)

A poor start could have doomed the season from the get-go but Cronin believes there is some noise to be made moving forward.

“Somehow, we were able to get to fifth place so we’ve got a seed that gives us a couple of teams that we’ve had success against,” Cronin said. “But that doesn’t mean anything this week. Everybody is 0-0.”

Winning these types of events does take some mental discipline. While playing multiple games in a few days can take a physical toll, being able to stay mentally engaged is just as important. Cronin has liked where his team stands all season, believing it will play out in Las Vegas.

Being able to sell previous on-court success against specific opponents will certainly help his case.