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 notably shot 9 of 19 (47.4%) from the free-throw line. A problem that has struck the Gophers all season was finally felt on the other sideline, but Cronin blamed it on the fa

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.

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.

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.

From the way he coached to what he said after the game, UCLA coach Mick Cronin’s pseudo-audition for the Indiana job went well.

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.