by Jerry Feitelberg

The California Golden Bears returned home to face the Stanford Cardinal at Haas Pavilion. Cal coach Cuonzo Martin’s club had lost three in a row and was looking to right the ship by defeating their arch-rival Stanford Cardinal. Doesn’t matter what the records are when these two teams meet. It’s a rivalry game and nothing is more satisfying for Cal than beating Stanford. That, however, did not happen as the Cardinal beat Cal 69-59. It was Cal’s fourth loss in a row and sixth in their last seven games. Cal’s record is now 11-7 overall and 1-3 in Pac-12 play. Stanford coach Johnny Dawkins’ team is now 12-4

overall and 4-1 in conference play.

The first half started off slowly and neither team could get much going. Stanford led 23-20 with just under five minutes left in the half. However, Cal took control and went on a 9-3 run to have a five point lead after the first half. Cal leads 31-26. None of the Bears’ players scored in double points and the only player in double figures was Chasson Randle who scored eleven.

Things were looking good for the Bears at the start of play in the second half. So far this year, Cal was 7-0 when leading at the half while Stanford was just 2-3.

Stanford came back to tie the game at 37 with just under 16 minutes left in the game. Stanford continued to play well and had a six point lead 44-38 with 12:32 left. The Bears refused to quit and were trailing by two 53-51 with about seven minutes left to play. The Cardinal kept Cal at bay and pulled away behind the strong play by Chasson Randle, Stefan Nastic and Anthony Brown and the Cardinal won by 10. Final score 69-59 Stanford.

Notes- The Bears were led by Tyrone Wallace’s 14 points. David Kravish had 11 and Jordan Mathews pitched in with 10. The one bright spot was Cal’s bench. The players coming off the bench scored 22 points. The Cardinal leading scores were Randle with 25 and Stefan Nastic’s 12 points and 9 rebounds.

Anthony Brown scored 18 for Stanford and the big three 55 points out of the 69 scored.

Cal’s next game will be at home January 22nd against Arizona State. Game time is 8:00pm.