Stanford Mauled on the East Side of the Bay by California, 92-70

Stanford Cardinal Michael Jones who led with 14 points drives up the lane against the Cal Bears at Haas Pavilion Berkeley on Fri Jan 6, 2023 (USA Today photo)

By Michael Roberson

BERKELEY, Calif. — The Stanford Cardinal (5-10, 0-5 Pac-12) are still winless in conference play after being slashed and bombed from the beyond the arc by the California Golden Bears (3-13, 2-3 Pac-12) at Haas Pavilion, 92-70.

The first half was pretty competitive the entire 20 minutes, with eight ties and two lead changes being a major component.

However, California managed to take a nine-point lead, and held an advantage of eight at intermission, 45-37.  Stanford led by four at one point of the session, but played catch-up most of the time.

Cardinal sophomore forward Maxime Raynaud tried to keep the game close with his 10 points and six rebounds contribution, while the Golden Bears were paced by senior guard DeJuan Clayton’s 14 points.

In the second half Stanford fell farther behind quickly, at the paws of the homesteading Bears by as many as 23 points.  California eventually closed the contest out by 22 points and shot a scintillating 73% from behind the three-point line, resulting in a final score of 92-70, California.

Despite the 20+ points loss, the Cardinal managed to shoot over 50% from the field and have four players score in double-digits: Senior guard Michael Jones topped the squad with 14 points,  Raynaud (12 points & 8 rebounds), senior forward Spencer Jones (13) and Isa Silva (12).

The Golden Bears had three players score in double-figures and simultaneously converting 14 of the team’s 16 made threes.  Clayton led all scorers with 26 points (6) and 6 assists.  Sophomore forward Sam Alajiki tallied 19 points (5) and senior forward Kuany Kuany offered 18 points (3) and 5 rebounds.

Stanford travels to Seattle to try and get their first conference win versus the Washington Huskies, Thursday, January 12, while California also treks to the Evergreen State, Pullman, to take on the Washington State Cougars Wednesday, January, 11.