Los Angeles Times

Twelve things that must go right for UCLA during March Madness to raise banner No. 12

LOS ANGELES — Winning in the Big Dance requires being able to move to every song that's playing. That's a March mantra UCLA coach Mick Cronin likes to repeat. It originated with his 81-year-old father, Hep, a former high school basketball coach now known for his fist pumps during Bruins victories. "It ain't the tango every night," Mick Cronin said. "You got to be able to win in different ways ...
Head coach Mick Cronin of the UCLA Bruins reacts after a dunk by Amari Bailey against the Arizona Wildcats was discounted for an offensive foul in the first half of the championship game of the Pac-12 basketball tournament at T-Mobile Arena on Saturday, March 11, 2023, in Las Vegas.

LOS ANGELES — Winning in the Big Dance requires being able to move to every song that's playing.

That's a March mantra UCLA coach Mick Cronin likes to repeat. It originated with his 81-year-old father, Hep, a former high school basketball coach now known for his fist pumps during Bruins victories.

"It ain't the tango every night," Mick Cronin said. "You got to be able to win in different ways against different styles."

The Bruins' relentless defense and ability to protect the ball like a newborn make them capable of beating any team this time of year. But there's more than a few missteps they must avoid to keep dancing through "One Shining Moment," the season's final song.

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