Mon Mar 24 01:50:00 UTC 2025: ## UCLA’s NCAA Tournament Run Ends in Upset Loss to Tennessee
**LEXINGTON, Ky.** – UCLA’s Cinderella run in the NCAA tournament came to an abrupt end Saturday night, as the seventh-seeded Bruins fell to second-seeded Tennessee, 67-58, in a second-round matchup. Despite early promise and a strong defensive effort, UCLA’s offensive struggles and a flurry of turnovers proved their undoing.
The game, anticipated as a defensive battle, saw UCLA falter in crucial moments. Sloppy play at the end of the first half and the beginning of the second allowed Tennessee to seize control. UCLA coach Mick Cronin cited offensive execution and turnovers as the primary reasons for the defeat. Point guard Dylan Andrews’ five turnovers, including several unforced errors, highlighted the Bruins’ offensive woes. His scoreless performance led to speculation about potential roster changes in the upcoming transfer portal.
While UCLA’s defense initially matched Tennessee’s intensity, the Volunteers’ offense, led by Chaz Lanier’s 20 points and Zakai Zeigler’s 15, proved too potent. Skyy Clark (18 points) and Tyler Bilodeau (15 points) were the only Bruins to reach double figures. Center Aday Mara, though strong early on, wore down in the second half.
Despite previous victories over highly-ranked opponents, UCLA’s inconsistent guard play and struggles getting the ball inside to their big men ultimately cost them. The Bruins’ inability to capitalize on opportunities, coupled with Tennessee’s strong second-half push, sealed their fate. The loss marks Cronin’s earliest postseason exit with the Bruins. While acknowledging the team’s progress from a losing season last year, Cronin expressed disappointment in the team’s performance. Tennessee advances to the regional semifinal.
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