Readers of the Los Angeles Times Sports section share their thoughts and opinions on UCLA and Mick Cronin, the NBA All-Star Game and LeBron James.

UCLA head coach Mick Cronin is known for how hard he can be on his players, but he took a different approach after Tuesday's game against the Gophers. The Bruins blew a 17-point lead and Cronin opted to call out the fans of Pauley Pavilion.

Following an embarrassing collapse at home versus Minnesota, which saw the Bruins blow a 17-point lead and lose 64-61 after shooting 5-of-15 from the free throw line in the second half, Cronin directed his frustrations at Pauley Pavilion.

With some inspired play in the opening minutes, Mick Cronin’s players heeded his warning about Minnesota’s being better than its crummy record. They played suffocating defense, forcing four shot-clock violations before halftime. They shut down the Golden Gophers’ top player, holding Dawson Garcia to five points by the game’s midpoint.

Mick Cronin led UCLA to a win at Assembly Hall, an open tryout of sorts should the Indiana basketball coaching search turn to him. Here's what Cronin said.

The Bruins have games against Minnesota, Ohio State, Northwestern and USC with a blockbuster road game against No. 7 Purdue sandwiched in between. If UCLA can go 4-1 in those games, it should be able to secure that double bye and make a push for the conference tournament title.

Mick Cronin was careful not to throw any of his own players under the bus after UCLA's 64-61 loss to Minnesota, but the Bruins head coach is clearly frustrated. The loss was tough enough, but it was how the Bruins lost that made it difficult for Cronin to stomach.

UCLA coach Mick Cronin had a criticizing message for his home crowd following its disappointing loss to the Minnesota Golden Gophers on Tuesday night. He has become frustrated with the crowd reactions and how it affects his team.