Duke Blue Devils guard Caleb Foster (1) takes a shot over Cal Bears Semetri Carr (3) in the first half at Haas Pavilion in Berkeley on Wed Jan 14, 2026 (AP News photo)

Cal Bears podcast Michael Villanueva:

#1 Dai Dai Ames had a significant role in his offensive flow tonight — how did you see his shot selection and decision-making impacted Cal’s ability to stay competitive with Duke?”

#2 Considering Justin Pippin’s role as a primary playmaker, what adjustments did Cal try to make when Duke pressure heated up, and how do you think they worked?

#3 Lee Dort one of the team’s leading rebounders — how did Dort approach the paint against Duke’s size and athleticism, and what could the Bears have done differently on the boards?

#4 Cal has a mix of veteran and younger pieces — how did they balance experience and energy to try to sustain runs in games like this, and what did you learn from Wednesday night’s matchup?

#5 There were a number of three minute dry spells for Cal that was crucial in them falling behind in the 71-56 loss to Duke.

Michael Villnueva is a Cal Bears beat writer at http://www.sportsradioservice.com