Well-rested UCLA opens Big Ten tourney play vs. Rutgers in third round

UCLA coach Mick Cronin enjoyed a few days of quiet preparation this week.

On Thursday night in Chicago, the noise will return.

No. 6 seed UCLA (21-10) will tip off against No. 14 seed Rutgers (14-18) in the third round of the Big Ten Conference tournament. Rutgers advanced with a 72-67 victory over 11th-seeded Minnesota on Wednesday night, and UCLA will make its conference tournament debut after starting the week with a double bye.

"It's just nice to have a few days where you don't have a game for these guys," Cronin said.