But with 80 minutes on the clock centre Ian Whitten touched down to lift the Ulstermen to a 27-23 win and to keep his side just a point outside a potential semi-final spot.
And despite admitting he has seen his side play better this season, McLaughlin is just happy that the result went Ulster's way come the final whistle.
"It was by no means a top class performance but we showed a lot of self-belief to get the win and one we so badly needed to keep us in contention for a play-off spot in the PRO12," he said.
"Treviso put us under a lot of pressure, it was a far from perfect performance but I thought that we showed tremendous character to pull back and get the away win against a side that was full of Italian internationals.
"This win keeps our destiny, as far as a play-off spot is concerned, in our own hands.
"The competition is so tight. The Ospreys result at the RDS against Leinster really keeps them in contention and there's just a few points, if even separating us from Glasgow, Cardiff, and Scarlets.
"We all have everything still to play for so its going to be a very exciting run-in."
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