UCLA drops fourth straight Big Ten game, falls to Rutgers

The Bruins dropped another Big Ten matchup as a feeling of resignation sets in.

The UCLA Bruins extended their losing streak to four games. They fell to the Rutgers Scarlet Knights 75-68 on Monday night. Now 11-6 and 2-4 in the Big Ten, the Bruins are hovering over the panic button.

Trailing by nine in the late stages of Monday night’s game, the Bruins orchestrated an 8-0 run to bring the score to 63-62 with 2:08 remaining. However, poor transition defense led to a Rutgers three to put the game out of reach.

All eyes were on the Bruins entering the game. Signs of dysfunction became evident after their loss to Maryland. With minimal adjustments made and another poor shooting performance on the road, the Bruins further revealed themselves as a deeply flawed team.

Failing to crack 70 points for the second straight game, UCLA’s problems on offense are becoming more and more apparent.

The Bruins produced 42.4% shooting from the floor and failed to find forward Tyler Bilodeau in finishing lanes. Bilodeau finished with six points on 0-7 shooting from the floor as the Bruins’ starting five scored only 48 points.

A fifth straight loss could deepen the feeling of resignation surrounding this season for the Bruins. They take on 12-4 Iowa at home this Friday.

With no clear fix in sight for UCLA’s woes, serious questions must be posed as to whether head coach Mick Cronin is still fit for the job and whether this roster can compete in the Big Ten.