LEXINGTON, KY. – On March 22, 2025, the UCLA Bruins faced a harsh ending to their NCAA Tournament run, as they fell to the Tennessee Volunteers with a final score of 67-58 during the Round of 32 at Rupp Arena. The loss signifies a disappointing conclusion for a team that had hoped to advance further, marking their first second-round exit since 2011.
UCLA's season was characterized by strong performances; however, they faced unexpected hurdles during the game against a formidable opponent. Head coach Mick Cronin aptly captured the essence of the challenge, stating, “You have got to match their intensity, and I say that with everything they do – the way they screen, the way they cut, the way they go after the ball.” This observation pointed to the larger struggle UCLA encountered against Tennessee’s aggressive style of play.
The match kicked off with both teams exhibiting defensive tenacity, yet it was UCLA’s inability to maintain their composure that ultimately proved detrimental. Just minutes into the game, junior guard Skyy Clark and sophomore guard/forward Eric Dailey Jr., two of the Bruins’ top scorers, were charged with two fouls each in the first three minutes of play. This foul trouble hampered UCLA's offensive capabilities significantly, leading to a seven-point deficit by halftime.
As the game progressed, the Bruins struggled to establish a rhythm offensively. Their scoring output was alarmingly low, matching the team's lowest since a January 4 loss to Nebraska. With Clark and Dailey sidelined for much of the first half, leaders needed to step up, but the pressure of Tennessee's fourth-stingiest defense proved overwhelming. As Cronin noted, the execution of "little things" — like fighting through screens and minimizing turnovers — was critical, yet even these strategies could not salvage UCLA's efforts.
On the other side of the court, Tennessee's Chaz Lanier emerged as a standout performer, achieving 20 points and shooting an impressive 4-for-5 from beyond the arc. Lanier’s offensive onslaught was complemented by the defensive prowess of his teammates, particularly Zakai Zeigler and Jahmai Mashack, both of whom are recognized as finalists for top defensive honors. Zeigler's ability to weave through UCLA's defense, amassing 15 points while creating scoring opportunities for others, exemplified the Volunteers' tactical advantage.
The dominant atmosphere of Rupp Arena, filled with Tennessee fans proudly rallying behind their team, only intensified UCLA's struggle. The echoes of “Rocky Top” reverberated throughout the venue, amplifying the pressure on the Bruins to perform in a high-stakes environment.
While UCLA attempted to rally in the second half, the challenges mounted. Substitutions aimed at bridging the gap in scoring were thwarted by the relentless Tennessee defense, which forced turnovers and stifled offensive sets. The Volunteers, now set for their third consecutive Sweet Sixteen appearance, will await their next opponent, who will emerge from the clash between Illinois and Kentucky.
For UCLA, the path forward includes reflection and reassessment as the season comes to an end. After a successful stretch leading into the tournament, the Bruins have been left with a bitter taste and questions regarding their capacity to make another deep run next year. Cronin's team has shown promise, but the harsh realities of eliminating rounds highlight the critical need for maintaining intensity and focus even against less formidable competition. As the clock wound down, UCLA's dream of dancing further in the tournament was laid to rest.
With this loss, the Bruins not only reflect on a challenging game but also dive into the larger implications for their program. Can they build upon this season's experiences and push further in future tournaments? In the wake of defeat, it is clear that significant adjustments and development are necessary to meet the goals set for the program moving forward.
