Watch UCLAs Mick Cronin eject his own player after hard foul

Published: Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at 4:19 am

UCLA Coach Ejects Player After Hard Foul in Loss to Michigan State

East Lansing, MI - UCLA suffered a significant defeat Tuesday night against Michigan State, with the Spartans dominating the game and securing an 82-59 victory. The Bruins, who briefly held a lead in the first half, struggled to contain Michigan State's offensive prowess throughout the contest.

The turning point came late in the second half when Bruins forward Steven Jamerson II committed a hard foul on Spartans center Carson Cooper during a fast break. Coach Mick Cronin, displeased with the play, immediately ejected Jamerson from the game. Jamerson, who had come off the bench, appeared surprised by the decision. He finished the game with two points, two rebounds, and two assists in eight minutes of play.

Michigan State's dominance was evident from the start, outscoring UCLA 43-23 in the first half. The Spartans maintained their lead, ultimately leading by as much as 31 points. UCLA's defense struggled, allowing Michigan State to shoot 53% from the field, including 14-of-27 from beyond the arc.

UCLA's record now stands at 17-9 overall, with a 9-6 record in the Big Ten conference. Michigan State, ranked 15th, improved to 21-5 overall and 11-4 in conference play. Tyler Bilodeau was the standout performer for UCLA, scoring 22 points.

This loss marks the second consecutive defeat for UCLA, following a recent mini-surge. Coach Cronin, in his seventh season with the Bruins, had previously expressed concerns about his team's performance, particularly their passing and defensive efforts. He had vowed to make lineup changes after a previous loss to Michigan.

BNN's Perspective: While Coach Cronin's decision to eject his own player might seem harsh, it underscores the importance of discipline and sportsmanship. It also highlights the need for UCLA to address its defensive vulnerabilities and improve its overall performance to remain competitive in the Big Ten.

Keywords: UCLA, Michigan State, Mick Cronin, Steven Jamerson II, basketball, college basketball, ejection, hard foul, Big Ten, Spartans, Bruins, Tyler Bilodeau, loss, game

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