"Fire Mick Cronin","Fraud of the week": Hoops fans pounce on UCLA HC after Bruins lose to an Ace Bailey-Dylan Harper masterclass for Rutgers

UCLA coach Mick Cronin found himself at the center of criticism as the Bruins' saw their losing streak extend to four games with a 75-68 loss to Rutgers on Monday evening at Jersey Mike’s Arena. Freshmen stars Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper delivered standout performances, helping the Scarlet Knights snap their three-game skid.

Bailey recorded a double-double, tallying 20 points, 10 rebounds, three blocks, two assists and a steal while Harper contributed 18 points, four rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block in an all-around showing.

The Bruins (11-6, 2-4) entered halftime with a 33-30 lead, but Rutgers (9-8, 2-4) opened the second half with an eight-point run and maintained control for the remainder of the game.

The loss fueled backlash on social media, with many fans targeting Cronin for the team’s disappointing performance.

“Rutgers beats UCLA 75-68. Ace Bailey led the Scarlet Knights with 20. Mick Cronin, you are the Fraud of the Week,” tweeted @Bracketologist3.

“Mick Cronin gonna have a breakdown if this keeps going,” added @MattHladik919.

“Serious question...there are seven identified elements. How many have been mastered by Mick Cronin? 2, occasionally 3? Maybe 4, tops? Woefully incomplete...and terribly lacking,” commented @RalphIrvinUCLA.

Meanwhile, a few fans called for Cronin, who has been the Bruins' coach since April 9, 2019, to get canned,

“FIRE MICK CRONIN,” posted @ebrun1335.

“This season is an unmitigated disaster. Mick Cronin has to go,” tweeted @ricky_g_157.

“If UCLA was a serious program they'd fire Mick Cronin after this season but realistically he's got about 3-4 more years of mediocrity minimum before they consider it,” opined @yabo_bob.

Mick Cronin admits UCLA is struggling

Mick Cronin and the Bruins are heading in the wrong direction, having lost five of their last six games and posting a 2-4 record in the Big Ten conference.

The Bruins seemed to be in control after leading 33-30 at halftime, but the Scarlet Knights responded with a 45-point second half, outscoring UCLA by 10 points to secure the win.

“We’re struggling, it’s pretty obvious,” said coach Mick Cronin postgame. (2:33)

“We had a lot of open looks, but you can’t give up 45 points in a second half and win a conference game. Period. I don’t care what your name or your team is, where the game is being played,” Cronin added.

The Bruins need to regroup amid their recent struggles. UCLA returns to Pauley Pavilion on Jan. 17 at 6 p.m. to host Iowa in Big Ten Conference play.