UCLA’s Mick Cronin On Playing Without Fans: ‘Hugely Demoralizing’

Forgive the UCLA men's basketball team if they've seemed a little off the last few weeks. Chances are, they might be feeling a little empty inside. Because they are. Empty, that is. They have to play their home games in a mostly desolate arena, with few fans in sight.

Of course, the university cites (what else?) a COVID-19 spike as the reason for the limited attendance at Pauley Pavilion through at least January 21st -- only family members can attend games -- leaving the team feeling demoralized, despite their 11-2 record.

“I think it’s hugely demoralizing to our guys to play games in empty arenas when there’s 80,000 people at the Rams game ," head coach Mick Cronin told the LA Times.

Pauley Pavilion, one of the most storied venues in college hoops, has a seating capacity of just under 13,000. Over their last three home games, the Bruins have averaged slightly more fans than a high school JV game -- 156.

The limited attendance has taken its toll on the ninth-ranked Bruins, who find themselves anxious to play back-to-back road games this Thursday and Saturday in order to return to some sense of normalcy.

"Our guys should be energized — I know they will when we run out in front of other people and get to play a game in front of fans,” added Cronin.

Bruins guard Jules Bernard agreed with his coaching, telling the LA Times: "But definitely helps, gets the energy up in the building."

UCLA is slated to play in front of fans at Utah this evening at 8:00 PM Pacific.

 

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