By Morris Phillips

A little old, a little new… and Cal showed that they’re not yet through.

After nine losses in their final 14 games caused the Cal Bears to miss the cut for the NCAA tournament, a new look was in order for the team’s NIT opener against Utah Valley.  Center Richard Solomon’s absence due to a concussion didn’t figure to help the Bears, but it did give Coach Mike Montgomery an opportunity to inject new life into a lineup that had lost confidence with all the critical losses.

Montgomery promoted Jabari Bird into Solomon’s spot giving the freshman his first start since before Christmas and the freshman was one of five double-figure scorers in Cal’s 77-64 victory that moves them into a second round rematch with Arkansas at Haas Pavilion on Monday night.

“You’re getting younger players an opportunity to play, getting them some excitement,” Montgomery said.  “The young guys have been excited all year long.  They’ve stayed enthusiastic about things.  You can see them make mistakes, but they are trying to do the right thing.  This will help them long term.”

The second-seeded Bears defeated the Razorbacks at the Maui Invitational in December.  Arkansas advanced in the NIT on Tuesday by blowing past Indiana State, 91-71 in Fayetteville.   The winner will move within a win of a semifinal date at New York’s Madison Square Garden the following Monday.

Cal’s smaller lineup in the absence of Solomon and injured freshman center Kameron Rooks displayed improved ball movement, producing 20 assists on their 32 made baskets.  Senior Jeff Powers saw 21 minutes of action and was more than capable with his shooting and playmaking, totaling 10 points and three assists.  Bird added 11 points and three assists, and the Bears were led by David Kravish with 14 points and five blocks.

Holton Hunsaker, son of Utah Valley coach Dick Hunsaker, led the Wolverines with 22 points.  Utah Valley was an automatic qualifier for the NIT as the regular-season champ in the WAC that failed to win the conference’s tournament.