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.

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.

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.

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 miss 10 of their 15 free throws in the second half and squander a 17-point lead, as the Golden Gophers score the go-ahead layup with eight seconds left and hand them a 64-61 defeat.

Mick Cronin is one win away from his 500th career victory, and it doesn't sound like he's planning to achieve win No. 600 at Indiana or any other school.