Stanford more than prepared for Cal in 75-46 win at Maples Pavilion

By Morris Phillips

STANFORD, CA–The hot-shooting Bears that throttled Stanford on January 6 didn’t necessarily impress their coach, Mark Fox. That same group arrived at Stanford on Saturday night without the shooting acumen, and they didn’t impress Fox either.

“I thought our defensive frustrations carried over to the offensive end and give them credit,” Fox said. “They made a bunch of baskets, we couldn’t string together any stops, and you can’t win that way on the road.”

Host Stanford raced to an 11-point halftime lead and led by as many as 37 in an easy 75-46 win over visiting Cal. Offensively, the Bears miserly 30 percent shooting didn’t put them in position to compete.

The Cardinal dominated the glass with a 47-30 edge in rebounds and used their physicality to deny the Bears. The win was Stanford’s fourth straight in what otherwise has been a frustrating season for them.

Maxime Raynaud led the Cardinal with 15 points, and Harrison Ingram added 14. Four other Stanford players scored at least eight points in a balanced effort offensively.

The Bears fell into last place in the Pac-12 with the loss and have lost all five contests since beating Stanford at the beginning of this month.

Cal travels to Colorado on Thursday tomeet the Buffs in hopes of ending their most recent losing streak.

Cal embarrassed at Haas by Oregon State in 68-48 loss

By Morris Phillips

BERKELEY, CA–Porous defense, non-existent shooting, and inattention to detail… the Cal Bears were guilty across the board on Sunday afternoon.

Coach Mark Fox admitted his team missed the directive regarding an early shot at the end of the first half. That allowed Oregon State to cap a 13-0 run ending the first half with Jordan Pope’s jumper as time expired. And the defense as a whole?

“We have just failed to build a defense,” Fox admitted. “We are really struggling with our ability to keep the ball out of the lane.”

And the offense? Well, at one juncture of the second half, the Bears had more turnovers (11) than made baskets (6). In an unsightly first 20 minutes, the Bears started 3 of 17 and finished 4 of 23 after a scoreless stretch across their final, six possessions.

Add it all up, and Cal may have squandered its best remaining opportunity for a win this season. The visiting Beavers ended a six-game losing streak–and an 18-game road skid–with the easy, 68-48 win in Berkeley.

Early on, the gracious visitors did all they could to keep the Bears attached. With shooting as errant as the hosts, OSU trailed 15-14 with 4:30 remaining in the half. But that all changed in their closing run that picked up steam after the break. After Pope’s layup, Oregon State led 58-30 with 6:25 remaining.

Pope led three OSU starters in double-figures with 19 points. The Beavers’ shooting picked up dramatically with them finishing at 54 percent shooting from the floor, including 13 made threes.

The Bears wilted with 37 percent shooting and just three makes from distance.

Devin Askew returned to the Cal lineup after missing six games with a foot injury. But the team’s leading scorer might have been too aggressive with his shooting given his rust. He finished 2 of 12 from the floor for eight points. Kuany Kuany led Cal with 15.

The Bears next appear at Stanford on Saturday in a matchup of last place teams.

Not At Home Tonight: Cal’s offense disappears in 87-58 loss to visiting Oregon

By Morris Phillips

BERKELEY, CA–Haas Pavilion is the home of the Golden Bears. It just didn’t seem so on Wednesday.

Not even close.

Instead, the visiting Ducks appeared right at home, shooting 60 percent in a lopsided 87-58 win over Cal that was initiated by the visitors’ attentive defense and punctuated by their mistake-free offensive attack. Amazingly, the Ducks piled up impressive shooting stats in all three areas while committing just five turnovers.

Meanwhile, the Bears couldn’t get untracked. They made just seven baskets in the first half, and trailed 34-21 at the break. Ten minutes in the second half, the Bears fell behind 60-34 allowing Oregon to cruise.

“I thought the guys really took the wind out of their sails just not giving up easy baskets,” coach Dana Altman said. “21 points at half, I love that. I thought defensively we had a lot better energy and a lot better movement than what we’ve had.”

Cal (3-16, 2-5) had won three of four at home, but they couldn’t recapture the magic. DeJuan Clayton, credited for inspiring the Bears’ improved play, didn’t score in this one until 25 minutes elapsed. Clayton finished with three points, and the team’s leading scorer, ND Okafor scored 10 points.

The Bears resume play on Sunday at noon against Oregon State in a battle of teams looking to avoid the Pac-12 basement.

Cal Bears podcast with Michael Duca: Cal hopes to rebound from last week’s double loss on the road

Cal Bears forward Grant Newell (14) led Cal with 21 points in their last game against the Washington Huskies at the Alaskan Airlines Arena in Seattle on Sat Jan 14, 2023 (Sports Illustrated file photo)

On the Cal Bears podcast with Michael:

#1 18 games into a trying season, the Cal Bears have changed the discourse from losing to winning. But this one–with Cal in control for the majority of last Saturday afternoon–will sting. The Cal Bears led Washington the entire second half, only to lose in overtime 81-78.

#2 “We had every opportunity to win the game in regulation and just didn’t finish the plays, didn’t make free throws,” coach Mark Fox said. “When you have those opportunities, you have to seize them.”

#3 In overtime, the Huskies seized control, missing just one shot and leading the entire five minutes. Cal had an opportunity to tie the game at the buzzer, but Kuany Kuany’s 3-pointer was blocked.

#4 Cal led by as many as 11 points–with 10 minutes remaining, a showing spearheaded by Grant Newell’s breakout with 21 points, ten rebounds. Lars Thiemann added 13, and Joel Brown had 12 points, five assists.

#5 Cal returns to Haas Pavilion to face Oregon Ducks (10-8) on Wednesday at 7:00pm The Ducks have won five of their last eight games and coming into tonight’s game at Haas Pavilion Cal 3-15 and lost the last two game road trip to Washington State and Washington last week.

Michael Duca does the Cal Bears podcasts each Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Bears Can’t Reach The Finish Line in aggravating 81-78 overtime loss to Washington

By Morris Phillips

The Cal Bears led Washington the entire second half, only to lose in overtime 81-78.

How’s that? Missed free throws and a tepid finish.

Eighteen games into a trying season, the Bears have changed the discourse from losing to winning. But this one–with Cal in control for the majority of the afternoon–will sting.

“We had every opportunity to win the game in regulation and just didn’t finish the plays, didn’t make free throws,” coach Mark Fox said. “When you have those opportunities, you have to seize them.”

The Bears missed three free throws in the final minutes, which allowed the hosts to calmly, and almost too patiently, work themselves into a tie ballgame when Keion Brooks scored in the lane with 12 seconds remaining.

Prior to Brooks’ equalizer, Kuany Kuany missed the front end of a one-and-one, surprising given his 84 percent shooting from the foul stripe.

In overtime, the Huskies seized control, missing just one shot and leading the entire five minutes. Cal had an opportunity to tie the game at the buzzer, but Kuany’s 3-pointer was blocked.

Cal led by as many as 11 points–with 10 minutes remaining, a showing spearheaded by Grant Newell’s breakout with 21 points, ten rebounds. Lars Thiemann added 13, and Joel Brown had 12 points, five assists.

Brooks led UW with 26 points, and Noah Williams added 22. The hosts held advantages in shooting percentage and blocked shots (7) to secure what was a statistically-even ballgame.

Cal returns to Haas Pavilion to face Oregon on Wednesday at 7:00pm.

Stanford Cardinal podcast with Daniel Dullum: Stanford Women continue to roll; Cardinal bring 11 game win streak to UCLA tonight

The Stanford Cardinal forward Cameron Brink (22) tries to take the ball past the Cal Bears defense at Haas Pavilion in Berkeley on Sun Jan 8, 2023 (Stanford Cardinal photo)

#1 The only way the Stanford Cardinal (16-1) were going to stop the Cal Bears (10-5) Leilani McIntosh was for the Cardinal to rely on Cameron Brink to match each of her shots as time was running out and the Cardinal just got by the Bears 60-56.

#2 Stanford head coach Tara VanDerveer knows about being road tested and the Cal Bears were no exception they gave it all they had but fell short. VanDerveer knows the game against the Bears helps build character as the Cardinal prepare in UCLA tonight.

#3 It was a big night for Brink who scored 25 points and 17 rebounds with three blocked shots. Brink is having a year looking at the year she’s having she very well could wind up in the WNBA someday.

#4 Haley Jones had 12 points with 11 rebounds was one of two players to finish in double figures against Cal on Friday night and Brink and Jones have been a great tandem.

#5 The Cardinal prepare for tonight’s game against the UCLA Bruins (14-2) who just defeated the USC Trojans (11-4) last Sunday. The Cardinal and Bruins match up for an 8:00pm tip off at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles.

Join Daniel Dullum for Cardinal podcasts each Friday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Brink’s double-double leads No, 2 Cardinal women past Cal 60-56

Stanford forward Cameron Brink (22) blocks the shot of California guard Jayda Curry during the second half  at Haas Pavilion in Berkeley on Sun Jan 8, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Daniel Dullum
Sunday, January 8, 2023

Stanford got a big game from center Cameron Brink and needed it on Sunday, as the No. 2 Cardinal held off California 60-56 in Pac-12 women’s basketball at Haas Pavilion.

Brink scored 25 points, grabbed 17 rebounds and blocked three shots, as the Cardinal (16-1 overall, 4-0 Pac-12) won their 11th straight game. Haley Jones scored 12 points to go with four assists and 11 rebounds.

Cal (10-5 overall, 1-3 Pac-12) was led by Leilani McIntosh with 19 points and Kemery Martin’s nine points, eight rebounds and four assists.

Stanford swept the season series wth their Bay Area rival, winning the first meeting 90-69 on Dec. 23.

Jones made a go-ahead layup with 1:17 remaining in the fourth quarter. Brink and McIntosh each missed a shot in the final minute. The Bears’ Jayda Curry grabbed a rebound to give Cal a last possession, but Claudia Langarita missed a shot with 14 seconds to play,

The Bears ended the second quarter with a 7-0 run to tie the game at 26-26. Brink hit a 3-pointer with 5:21 left in the third quarter to give Stanford a 35-33 lead. Hannah Jump hit a long jumper that put the Cardinal up 47-43 late in the third.

From there, the Cardinal was able to maintain that four-point edge.

Stanford outrebounded the Bears 46-37. Neither team shot well – the Cardinal was 20 of 62 from the field (4 of 20 3-pointers) for 32.3 percent. Cal was 21 of 60 (7 of 18 3-pointers) for 35 percent.

Stanford visits No. 12 UCLA on Friday night, while the Bears travel to Southern California.

Stanford Cardinal podcast with Michael Roberson: What went wrong for Cardinal in loss to Cal on Friday

The Cal Bears forward Sam Alajiki (24) had lots to smile about as he takes the ball up court against the Stanford Cardinal on Fri Jan 6, 2023 at Haas Pavilion (San Francisco Chronicle photo)

On Stanford Cardinal podcast:

#1  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.

#2 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.

#3 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.

#4 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).

#5 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.

Join Michael Roberson for the Stanford Cardinal podcast Saturday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Shooters Roll: Cal hits school-record 16 threes in 92-70 wipeout of Stanford

By Morris Phillips

BERKELEY, CA–The Golden Bears weren’t just seeking a signature win over their most significant opponent. They were looking to write the resulting headlines as well. Breaking out a new star and setting a new shooting standard accomplished both.

Cal’s 92-70 win over Stanford featured DeJuan Clayton’s 26 points, and the team’s school record 16 made 3-pointers, but it marked the coming together of a team that got no positive reinforcement over the season’s first eight weeks as the losses and humiliation piled up.

But with wins in three of their last four outings–after 12 consecutive losses–the Bears are showing themselves to be engaged despite the rough start with Clayton as their focal point.

“We found a rhythm, and it’s amazing the difference DeJuan makes in our team,” coach Mark Fox said. “You’ve seen it the last couple of games. If we had him the first 13 games, who knows what we could have been. He was terrific in his ability to score the ball, but he also had six assists, no turnovers. He makes everyone better.”

Clayton was a perfect 4 for 4 from distance, leading Cal to a 45-37 lead at halftime. The Bears overcame a hot start from Stanford, which made its first six shots from the floor to lead 12-10. But the Bears kept coming with eight made threes and 64 percent shooting before the break.

“We’re not the 0-12 team you guys saw,” said Sam Alajiki. “We didn’t have DeJuan. We didn’t get to play together a lot. We are a completely different team now. Everyone can feel it.”

Alijiki contributed 19 points, Kuany Kuany added 18, and Joel Brown, one game removed from his career-best 21 points, piled up the assists with seven. With so many positive contributions, the Bears managed without injured Devin Askew, and with Lars Thiemann taking just three shots.

Stanford kept pace until the Bears seized control after the game was tied at 32. The Bears scored 13 of the final 18 points before the break and didn’t relent in the second half, leading by as many as 23 with 4:59 remaining.

Stanford received 14 points from Michael Jones, 13 from Spencer Jones, and 12 each from Maxime Raynaud and Isa Silva. The Cardinal have opened Pac-12 play with five losses, with this one easily the most lopsided.

“The 3-point shooting built confidence for the rest of their team,” said coach Jerod Haase, who has seen his team win just five times in 15 outings.

The Bears next travel to Washington to face the Cougars and Huskies with the trip to Pullman first on Wednesday.

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.