Category: Cal Bears

Cal’s comeback in overtime not enough; drop third-straight in SoCal Showcase to San Diego 76-67

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Cal Bears forward Fardaws Aimaq tries to get some offense going against the San Diego Aztecs forward Jaedon Lee (13) at SoCal Showcase at JSerra Pavilion in San Juan Capistrano on Sat Nov 25, 2023 (@CalMBBall photo)

Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023

JSerra Pavilion, San Juan Capistrano, California

California Golden Bears 67 (2-5)

San Diego State Aztecs 76 (5-1)

By Stephen Ruderman

The Bears came back late to force overtime, but they eventually lost their third-straight game in the SoCal Showcase, as the San Diego State Aztecs’ defense shined to beat them 76-67.

The Bears had dropped their first two games of the SoCal Showcase played in San Juan Capistrano, each by three points. Tonight, they were looking to bounce back against a strong Aztecs team.

The Bears jumped out to a 5-0 lead early, as Jaylon Tyson laid one in, and Jalen Cone hit a three. The Aztecs quickly matched it to tie it at 5-5. Fardaws Aimaq hit a three to give Cal an 8-5 lead, but Micah Parrish hit a three to tie it at 8-8.

The Aztecs got to 16-11 lead with 12:06 left in the first period, but Cal scored five unanswered points, as Tyson hit a three-ball to tie it at 16-16 with 10:49 left. The score remained neck and neck for a couple of minutes, but San Diego State was able to hold a steady lead throughout the latter half of the first period, as they went into the half up 39-34.

The teams traded baskets to start the second period, as Cal got to within three at 45-42 three minutes and 21 seconds into the second period. From there, the Aztecs began to pull away, as they scored seven unanswered points to open up a 52-42 lead. It was the beginning of a 14-5 run for San Diego State that put them up 59-47 with 9:24 to go.

Cal refused to concede, and was able to slightly cut the deficit to 63-54 with 6:15 to go. Aimaq hit a pair of free throws with 5:19 to go to cut it to 63-56, and Rodney Brown Jr. hit a three with 4:35 left to cut it close at 63-59.

The Bears were back in it, but neither team scored for over two minutes. Brown then hit another three with 2:23 to go, and suddenly, it was a one-point game at 63-62. Aimaq hit the second of two free throws to tie it at 63-63, and neither team scored in the minute and 42 seconds left, as the game went into overtime.

Cal had miraculously come back late to send the game into overtime, but just as soon as they had done so, the Aztecs took the momentum right back. The Bears won the jump ball to start overtime, but Jaylon Tyson had the ball stolen by Reese Waters, and Grant Newell traveled.

Waters was fouled by Newell, and hit a pair of free throws to put San Diego State back ahead. Aimaq missed a layup, and San Diego State capitalized on it, as Jaedon Ledee rebounded it and made a jumper in the paint to put the Aztecs up 67-63.

Tyson and Aimaq each made a free throw to make it 67-65, but another jumper by Ledee made it 69-65, and the Aztecs took control. Darrion Trammell made a pair of free throws with 1:17 to go, and by then Cal had run out of time. The Aztecs ended up winning it by a final of 76-67.

Cal falls to 2-5, and they will return home for a week off. They will try and bounce back on Saturday, Dec. 2 at Haas Pavilion, as they will welcome in the Santa Clara Broncos for a 4:00 tip.

Cal Falls Flat Unable To Close Against Tulane Losing 84-81

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Cal Bears just couldn’t get by the Tulane Green Wave at the SoCal Challenge in San Juan Capistrano CA on Wed Nov 22, 2023 (@CalMBB photo)

By Barbara Mason

Despite having a double digit lead mid-way through the second half, the California Bears (2-4) managed to let another game slip away. The Bears took on the Tulane Green Wave (4-1) in the consolation round of the SoCal challenge Wednesday night losing by the score of 84-81. This was the Bears third loss in a row losing by three points.

Wednesday night the Bears played the Tulane in the SoCal Challenge Consolation game. The Bears couldn’t rebound after a heart-breaking buzzer beater by UTEP Monday night stealing the game from California. The Green Wave suffered an equally crushing three point loss to Bradley 80-77. The Bears Jaylon Tyson is their season leader with 18.8 points per game. Kevin Cross is the season leader for Tulane with 18 points per game.

Game recap: The Bears are 2-0 against the Green Wave all-time. California has now had two losses in a row by exactly three points. They are having trouble finishing games. Tulane is favored in this game expected to win by 5.5 points.

After the first half of play the favored Green Wave trailed the Cal Bears 32-29. This will be a challenge for Cal in the second half as they attempt to retain the lead and close the game out. With so much time left in the game, California needed to keep the pressure on Tulane. The Bears had led by as much as seven points but Tulane began to push back in the final minutes of the first half.

Cal extended their lead to start the second half hitting a three and taking a 35-29 lead. As the second half wore on, the Bears began to wear the Green Wave down taking a 58-47 lead at 12:11 left in the game.

Tulane refused to back down and with 9:17 left in the game they had pulled to within four points of Cal 63-59. At 6:40, this game was tied at 67 and once again Cal was letting this game slip away, their 11 point lead evaporating.

With five minutes left in the game Tulane took a 70-69 lead. The Bears were trailing by two points with 45 seconds left on the clock and California had the chance to salvage this game. Once again, the Bears were unable to close out this game losing 84-81. This was Cal’s third three point loss

Next Saturday, Nov 25 the Bears will take on San Diego State. The Aztecs are highly favored in this game. San Diego’s season leader is Jaedon LeDee who averages 26.8 points per game and will be a huge factor in the offense. Tipoff for the game is scheduled for 4:00 PM

UTEP Buzzer Beater Edges California Bears at SoCal Challenge 75-72

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Jalen Cone hit a game-tying 3-pointer with 16 seconds left before Cal ultimately fell to UTEP, 75-72 photo by CK Hicks-Cal Athletics

By Barbara Mason

The California Bears (2-3) trailed at the half against the UTEP Miners (5-0) 40-35. They did win the second half 37-35 but came up just short losing 75-72. The depth on the UTEP roster made a lot of the difference in this game. Cal’s Jaylen Cone hit a three to tie up this game at 72 with 16 seconds left on the clock. UTEP’s Tae Hardy answered hitting a shot from downtown to seal the win as they go unbeaten sending them into the final of the Sand division.

In the Bears loss to Montana they did get some nice work from Jaylon Tyson who scored 27 points and eight rebounds. Fardaws Aimaq had a double-double finishing that game with 14 points and 12 rebounds. The Montana offense will be a real challenge for California and the Bears will be keeping an eye on their offensive leader Tae Hardy.

In this game the number of possessions will factor in greatly. The Miners have been smashing the glass this season but Cal has also been successful in this department so that should make for some great competition.

Both of these teams have been struggling from downtown so far this season. It depends which “experts” you talk to because according to one side Cal is favored by two points and if you talk to someone else UTEP is favored by 3.5

Game recap: The Cal Bears vs UTEP contest got underway late Monday night. Cal got a slow start in the opening half. They were four minutes into the game before they hit their first basket. They did take a 19-12 lead mid-way through the half but the Miners erased the Bears lead. They took a 24-21 lead at the eight minute mark and led for the rest of the first half. After the first 20 minutes of game, the Miners held a 40-35 lead.

California hit the first six points of the second half taking the lead but the Miners rallied back. They held a 71-63 lead with 4:20 left on the clock. This game went down to the wire. Cal’s Jaylen Cone hit a three with 16 seconds left in the game to tie it all up at 72. The Bears just came up short when UTEP’s Tae Hardy sealed the win for his team with a shot from downtown; the final was 75-72.

The high for the Cal was Aimaq with 18 points in 27 minutes. Cone who put his team in a great position to take this game had 15 points. The high for UTEP was Tae Hardy with 16 points and the buzzer beater in this wild back-and-forth game with seven ties and 10 lead changes throughout.

Post game notes: Monday night the Bears took on the Miners in the SoCal Challenge at the Pavilion in San Juan Capistrano. This basketball tournament is held during the Monday and Wednesday of Thanksgiving week. The inaugural tournament took place back in 2021.

This was the first meeting between the Golden Bears and the Miners. UTEP started the game as a 3.5 point favorite . In their last game which they won against the Austin Peay Governors 71-63 last Friday night the miners had 20 turnovers. Cal lost a close one last Thursday against the Montana Bobcats 63-60. This game was a close matchup which UTEP won by just three points.

This win sends UTEP into the finals where they will play Bradley on Wednesday. The Cal Bears will play in the consolation round taking on Tulane on Wednesday in another nightcap with tipoff scheduled for 9:30 p.m. PST.

Cal Bears game wrap: Cal Retains the Ax Beating Stanford 27-15

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Cal Bears running back Jaydn Ott tries to move around the Stanford Cardinal defensive end Brennan Jackson (80) at Stanford Stadium in Palo Alto on Sat Nov 18, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The 126th Big Game went to the California Bears (4-6) winning their third Big Game in a row. Some great Bears offense and some equally good defense tilted the game in favor of Cal. The final score was 27-15. This was Cal’s third big game win in a row.

Saturday afternoon the Bears headed to Stanford Stadium “the Farm” for the 126th “Big Game” against the Cardinal. Cal is coming off a 42-39 win over Washington State in thanks to their defense coming up big returning two fumbles for touchdowns and recording six sacks.

This was without doubt was their best effort of the season. This was Cal’s second straight win as they beat Washington State in their last game on Sat Nov 11. Cal picked up their fourth win in the last six Big Games and their fourth straight Big Game win. While Stanford does have home field advantage, the Bears are favored significantly.

The Bay Area weather had little impact on the game with light rain that was predicted over the course of the game. This was the last Big Game in the Pac 12. Cal has now retained the axe for the 2023 season their third straight season.

This is the biggest game for the two teams all season regardless of what their records show. The entire Bay Area was watching history being made in this colorful tradition.

Game recap: The Bears went on offense to start the opening quarter. Driving deep into Stanford territory Cal went on a fourth and two that failed. Both teams sparred through the first ten minutes of the quarter.

At 5:03 Bears quarterback Fernando Mendoza found Trond Grizzell for nine yards and the first touchdown of the game giving Cal the early 7-0 lead. With 0.22 seconds left in the first quarter Stanford kicker Joshua Karty hit a 44 yarder and after the first 15 minutes of play, the Bears had a 7-3 lead.

Early in the second quarter at 13:13 Mendoza again found Grizzell for a huge play of 54 yards and California had extended their lead to 14-3. Cal had scored twice through the air so far in the game so Stanford was having to defend not only the Cal passing game which had a great first half but also the rushing game. Stanford kicked a 53 yard Field Goal with 54 ticks left on the clock and the score at the half was 14-6 in favor of Cal.

Cal running back Jaydn Ott kicked it into high gear scoring a one yard run into the end zone at 5:45 in the third quarter giving the Bears a 21-6 lead. Ott had been relatively quiet in the first half but he came unleashed as the second half got underway.

Stanford did score twice in the third quarter but Cal retained the lead going into the final quarter. The Cardinal scored their first touchdown of the game at 4:25 going for the two point conversion which failed. They did score a field goal to end the third quarter, a 50 yard Karty kick. With one quarter left in the game California led 21-15.

The Bears would score one more time in the fourth quarter when Mendoza threw his third touchdown of the day an eight yard pass to Jeremiah Hunter to seal the win for Cal 27-15. The Bears had won their third Big Game in a row. The Ax would stay in Berkeley for another year.

Mendoza had a great day with three touchdowns throwing for 294 yards with one interception. Jaydn Ott despite a bit of a slow start in the first half finished in a flurry with 166 rushing yds.

Stanford struggled in this game with penalties and miscues and just could not handle the California defense. The long awaited game is now history and we will now look forward the 127th Big Game next year.

Montana State able to fend off Jaylon Tyson and Cal in close game 63-60 at Haas Pavilion

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Cal Bears guard Jaylon Tyson (10) takes the ball up the floor against the Montana State Tigers at Haas Pavilion in Berkeley on Thu Nov 16, 2023 (Cal Bears photo)

By Steve Ruderman

Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023

Haas Pavilion, Berkeley, California

Montana State Bobcats 63 (2-1)

California Golden Bears 60 (2-2)

By Stephen Ruderman

The Bears were unable to capitalize on their big win Monday, as the Montana State Bobcats, led by Brandon Walker and his 26-point performance, came into Haas Pavilion to prevent Cal from getting a thrilling comeback win, as Montana State held on to win, 63-60.

Jalen Cone hit an early jumper to give Cal a 2-0 lead. Montana State came back to take a 4-2 lead, and a three ball by Fardaws Aimaq gave Cal the lead back at 5-4. A layup by Brandon Walker, who would just be getting started, put the Bobcats back ahead at 6-5, and they would hold the lead the rest of the night.

Montana State looked poised to pull away with the game early, as they opened their lead to 12-5, but Cal scored six unanswered points to close it to 12-11. Despite that, the Bobcats maintained a steady lead throughout the rest of the first period, never leading by more than six.

The Bobcats led 33-27 at the half, and they started to open up their lead again at the start of the second period, as a 9-3 run gave Montana State a 44-30 lead with 15:09 remaining.

Cal slowly chipped away into the latter half of the second period, but they got even closer, as a pair of free throws by Aimaq cut the deficit to 51-49 with 4:49 remaining.

There was a lot of scoring in the final few minutes. The Bobcats pulled out to a 57-51 lead with 3:19 remaining, but Jaylon Tyson, who shined for the Bears tonight with 27 points, led the charge for, and Cal came back to make it 63-60 with just 16 seconds remaining.

Following a foul by Cone, and a pair of missed free throws by Robert Ford for Montana State, Cone missed a three that would’ve tied the game with four seconds, and that would be it, as the Bobcats won it, 63-60.

Cone’s missed three-pointer highlighted a game in which the Bears made just three three-balls, down from 13 against Bakersfield Monday. Cone, who hit seven threes on Monday, hit just one tonight. Cone was 1-for-10 from beyond the arc, and scored just eight points.

Cal ends up going 2-2 on the opening homestand, and they will head to San Juan Capistrano for the SoCal Challenge starting Monday night, when they will take on the UTEP Miners for a very-late 9:30 tipoff.

Jalen Cone carries Cal to strong bounceback win over CSU Bakersfield 83-63

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Cal Bears guard Jalen Cone (15) takes a jump shot against the CSU Bakersfield Roadrunners at Haas Pavilion in Berkeley on Mon Nov 13, 2023 (Cal Bears photo)

Monday, Nov. 13, 2023

Haas Pavilion, Berkeley, California

CSU Bakersfield Roadrunners 63 (1-2)

California Golden Bears 83 (2-1)

By Stephen Ruderman

Following a tough loss to the University of Pacific Tigers, Jalen Cone shined with 23 points and seven three-pointers, as the Cal Bears beat the California State University of Bakersfield Roadrunners comfortably by a final of 83-63.

It was a quiet Monday night at Haas Pavilion both in the crowd, and on the court, as it took two minutes for either team to score. Devin Askew hit a three ball two minutes and 13 seconds into the game, and Cal struck first. Jalen Cone also hit a three to make it 6-0, but the Roadrunners scored seven unanswered points to take a 7-6 lead.

Cal bounced back and took a 13-9 lead. Ugnius Jerusevicius hit a free throw, and then Higgins hit a three for the Roadrunners to tie it at 13-13 with 11:55 left.

The score was then 16-16, and after Cone hit another three with 10:09 left, the Bears went on a roll. Cal went on a 36-21 run to go into the half up 49-34.

The Roadrunners scored five unanswered points to start the second period as part of a 7-1 run as they cut the score to 50-41, but Cal responded swiftly, and put the game away.

In addition to Cone’s performance, all five of Cal’s starters scored double digits, as the team hit 13 threes as a whole. Fardaws Aimaq scored 14 points; Jaylon Tyson scored 13; Devin Askew scored 12; and Grant Newell scored 10. Each starter also hit at least one three, as Askew and Newell both hit two, and Aimaq and Tyson hit one.

As for Bakersfield, Kaleb Higgins led the way with 22 points, but Cal’s defense kept the rest of the Roadrunners at bay.

Cal is back over .500 at 2-1, and the opening homestand will continue on Thursday, as the Bears will welcome the Montana State Bobcats to Berkeley for an 8:00 tipoff.

Bears Drag the Cougars up the Hill and Maul Them 42-39, on Senior Day in the East Bay

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Cal Bears running back Jaydn Ott leaps into the end zone to score against the Washington State Cougars at Memorial Stadium in Berkeley on Sat Nov 11, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Michael Roberson

BERKELEY, Calif. — The California Golden Bears (4-6, 2-5 Pac-12) honored their senior players with a clawbiter win over conference foe Washington State Cougars (4-6, 1-6 Pac-12) in front of 38,155 fans at Memorial Stadium.

The Bears were generous guest by deferring the ball to the Cougars, after winning the coin toss. Apparently WASU didn’t appreciate the kind gesture and gave the gift right back.

Less tha three minutes into the contest, Cougars’ junior quarterback Cameron Ward fumbled on 4th & 1. Freshman running back and special teamer, Cade Uluave forced the fumble and returned it for a 51-yard TD. That quickly, the Bears were up 7-0 without possessing the ball yet.

When Cal did get their first possession, they absolutely took advantage of their opportunity. Redshirt freshman QB Fernando Mendoza tossed a six yard TD pass to fellow R-FR TE Jack Endries. Less than ten minutes of the first quarter, the Bears were up by two touchdowns, 14-0.

With 17 seconds left in the first, Ward was able to redeem himself a bit. He scored a three yard TD on a QB keeper. At the end of 15, the Cougars cut the deficit in half, 14-7.

Early in the second quarter sophomore RB Jaydn Ott fumbled into the endzone, as he was trying to score, fortuitously his teammate R-JR lineman Brian Driscoll recovered the ball and was awarded the touchdown. They went up 21-7 and scored two touchdowns on two fumbles.

Cameron Ward came back a few minutes later and threw a 13-yard TD to junior TE Cooper Mathers. Washington State got within seven, 21-14, and Ward was in position to actually take the lead, but he fumbled again.

Mendoza hit Ott for a 13-yard TD and Cal was back up by two touchdowns, 28-14. The Bears were expecting to go into the locker room up by 14, but the Cougars scored another touchdown at the end of the quarter..

Redshirt freshman QB John Mateer rushed in for five yards to paydirt, and the Cougars trailed by seven again. At the half, California lead 28-21.

Cal opened up the third with possesion of the ball; however, they did the same thing Washington State did to open the game…FUMBLE!. Mendoza coughed up the ball within the first minute of the second half, and WSU recovered the ball.

Redshirt junior kicker Dean Janikowski nailed a 28-yard field goal, bringing his team within four. At the end of three, California led 28-24.

Early in the fourth, Janikowski missed a FG. Cal took the ball downfield quickly into Cougars’ territry. Ott has a 52-yard run, then scored from the five yard line, putting his bears up by 11, 35-24.

Cameron Ward had the ball in his hands again trying to cut into the double-digit lead, but that did not go as planned. For the second time in the game, he fumbled and a defensive TD occured. This time junior DB Nohl Williams reached the endzone after carrying it for 52 yards. 42-24 Cal.

Ward answered back with a 212-yard TD loft to redshirt junior Josh Kelly, and they converted the two point attempt. The pulled within ten, 42-32.

Cal’s Ott fubled again, but this time the Cougars recovered the ball. Ward came right back and threw a five yard TD to RS FR RB Djouvensky Schlembaker, bringing the road team within three, 42-39.

With a chance to tie the game at 50 seconds left in the game, Janikowski missed a 48-yarder. Cal got the ball back with the chance to seal the game,

Cal could not make the clock hit zero, so the Cougars had one last chance. With :04 left on the clock, Ward’s desperation Hail Mary was picked off by the ubiquitous Cade Uluave. GAME OVER and the Bears win a close one to the cats from the Great Northwest, 42-39.

Cal wii next be in action across the Bay trying to keep possession of the Axe, as they will battle Stanford Saturday November 18 at TBD. The Cougars head back to Pullman, WA to host Coach Prime and the Colorado Buffaloes Friday, November 17 at 7:30 PDT.

Note: Cal’s Jaydn Ott rushed for 167 yards against the Cougars, and has amassed 1016 on the season. QB Fernando Mendoza, who threw two TDs himself, gave praise to his star running back. “He is spectacular, and he will be playing on Sundays.” Uttered Mendoza.

WSU’s Cameron Ward threw the ball a whopping 59 times, completing 34 for 354 yards and three touchdowns. He also had a rushing TD.

Pacific comes back to down Cal in seesaw battle 87-79 at Haas Pavilion

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Cal Bears confer on the floor as they faced the Pacific Tigers at Haas Pavilion in Berkeley on Fri Nov 10, 2023 (photo from calbears.com)

Friday, Nov. 10, 2023

Haas Pavilion, Berkeley, California

Pacific Tigers 87 (1-1)

California Golden Bears 79 (1-1)

By Stephen Ruderman

The Pacific Tigers came back late to defeat the Bears, 87-79, denying Cal a 2-0 start.

The Bears opened the season Monday by barely beating the St. Thomas Tommies, and they looked to build on their momentum with much stronger competition coming in. Cal jumped out to a 15-11 lead with 14:40 remaining in the first period, the Tigers scored eight unanswered points to take a 19-15 lead.

The teams traded leads the remainder of the first period, as the Tigers led 40-38 at the half. The Tigers struck first in the second period with a jumper, but Cal then went on a 16-2 run to open up a 54-44 lead.

Pacific chipped into Cal’s lead, as the game entered the latter half of the second period. Villam Garcia Adsten was fouled and hit a jumper with 7:16 left to tie the game at 62-62, and then he hit a free throw to give the Tigers the lead, and they would not look back.

The Tigers then put the game away, as a 15-0 run gave them a 73-62 lead, and they maintained a healthy lead to close it out.

Cal falls to 1-1, as CSU Bakersfield will come into Haas Pavilion for a 7:00 tipoff Monday Night.

Pacific chipped into Cal’s lead, as the game entered the latter half of the second period. Villam Garcia Adsten was fouled and hit a jumper with 7:16 left to tie the game at 62-62, and then he hit a free throw to give the Tigers the lead, and they would not look back.

The Tigers then put the game away, as a 15-0 run gave them a 73-62 lead, and they maintained a healthy lead to close it out.

Cal falls to 1-1, as CSU Bakersfield will come into Haas Pavilion for a 7:00 tipoff Monday Night.

Bears barely edge out Tommies in Season Opener 71-66 at Haas Pavilion

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Haas Pavilion home of the Cal Bears who hosted the St Thomas Tommies on Mon Nov 6, 2023 (photo by Stephen Ruderman)

Monday, Nov. 6, 2023

Haas Pavilion, Berkeley, California

St. Thomas Tommies 66 (0-1)

California Golden Bears 71 (1–0)

By Stephen Ruderman

BERKELEY–The California Golden Bears beat the St. Thomas Tommies, in a 71-66 in a nail-biting season opener at Haas Pavilion.

Following a brutal 3-29 2022-2024 Campaign, Cal Basketball got their 2023-2024 Season started with new head coach, Mark Madsen at the helm, as they welcomed in the Tommies for the opener.

This was also the debut game for Freshman Vladimir Pavlovic, who has come with a lot of excitement. Pavlovic, a native of Serbia, played for the 18U Serbian National Team, before playing for Hoosac School in Hoosick New York last year.

“Vladimir’s talent, character and basketball IQ make him a great addition to our roster,” Madsen said over the summer, when Pavlovic committed to play for Cal.

The Bears started the game by committing a backcourt violation, and it was just the first of many turnovers Cal gave away. Meanwhile, the Tommies opened with a pair of three-balls. It seemed they shot a third one at the buzzer to open a 9-3 lead, but the call was overturned upon review, as the ball was fired after the buzzer.

St. Thomas’ lead was back down to 6-3, and a pair of threes gave Cal their first lead of the night at 10-8 with over 14 minutes to go in the first period.

Both teams traded threes early on, as Cal led 17-13 with 10:34 remaining in the first period. The two teams were pretty back and forward throughout the first period, as neither team got off to greater than a five-point lead.

Eventually it was a 29-29 game with 2:30 left, as the Bears had a hard time shaking the Tommies off, and Cal led 35-34 at the half.

The second period opened with the teams trading threes, and the Bears giving more turnovers to the Tommies, as well as some fouls mixed in. Cal missed several opportunities, and the Tommies.

Cal led 51-50 half way through the second, as both teams missed several opportunities to pull away.

Pavlovic missed a crucial three with Cal trailing 58-56 with less than seven minutes left in the second, and the Tommies were immediately gifted two points after Cal center, Fardaws Aimag, was called for goaltending.

The Tommies led 62-61 with 3:40 remaining, as the game came down to the wire. It was 64-64 with 1:30 left when Devin Askew was on the receiving end of an offensive foul by the Tommies, which gave Cal the ball.

Another foul sent Jalen Calestine to the line for Cal, but he missed his only free-throw, giving the Tommies the ball with 1:15 left.

Askew laid one in to give Cal a 66-64 lead with less than a minute remaining, and the Tommies were unable to respond, as a foul sent Jalen Cone to the line, and he nailed both shots to expand Cal’s lead to 68-64.

After a lengthy final minute in which the Tommies tried every trick they had, the Bears held on to win 71-66.

Cal has won their season opener for the first time in four years, as they are 1-0, and they will welcome the University of Pacific Tigers for an 8:00 tipoff Friday night.

Kings Continue Slump Demolished By Rockets 122-97; Houston sweeps two game series

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Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green (center) struggles with the basketball with the Sacramento Kings forwards Harrison Barnes (40) Keegan Murray (right) at the Toyota Center on Mon Nov 6, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

There are no words in Webster’s dictionary to describe how terrible this game went for the Sacramento Kings (2-4). It would seem that they are completely helpless without superstar De’Aaron Fox who remains out with the ankle injury.

It would also appear that there are no players that can step up in his absence. That does not bode well for this team. As this game reached the seven minute mark in the fourth quarter it could not have ended quickly enough for these guys. The final score was 122-97 Houston Rockets (3-3) at the Toyota Center in Houston in game 2 of the series.

Monday night the Kings continued to play without superstar De’Aaron Fox taking on the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. He was ruled out hours before tipoff missing his third game in a row. The Kings are missing everything that he brings to the court and are struggling.

The Kings lost to the Rockets on Saturday night, an 18 point loss 107-89, a very embarrassing loss. A big part of the Kings future was thought to be Keegan Murray but he has not shown up so far.

Murray finished the Saturday night game with the Rockets shooting for seven points and going 3-12. His shot is not falling and he is not delivering at all and needs to have more of an impact. Another player not carrying his load is the newly signed Sasha Vezenkov.

The excitement surrounding Vezenkov’s signing has now fallen flat when he scored nada in their last game. While Domantas Sabonis was not awful he was not at his usual best which is roughly 18 points per game.

With Fox still remaining out of action this team has to step up and Sabonis is a huge part of this. Their defense has been stale and they need to add another star to their core. As we have seen early in this season injury can play havoc with a team.

The Kings need Fox who is the heart of their offense. It is early in the season and not the worst time for a team to suffer injury, but that being said, Sacramento does not want to lose a third game in a row.

The opening quarter of Monday night’s game went very poorly for the Kings. They lost the first quarter 32-22. It really went sideways in the second quarter with the Rockets topping the Kings 35-20 taking a 67-42 lead into the locker room at the half. The first half of this game was a disaster for Sacramento but unfortunately the worst was still to come.

After three quarters the writing was pretty much on the wall. It was a horrific showing by the Kings. It could not have been any worse with some lackluster shooting and terrible defense allowing the Rockets to walk all over them.

The starters were MIA for the first three quarters. Harrison Barnes had three points after three quarters, Davion Mitchell had five, Domantas Sabonis with eight points. It was a nightmare. Even the energetic Malik Monk off the bench only managed five points. After three quarters Houston had a 95-60 lead in a monster embarrassment. It was like taking candy from a baby for Houston in this lopsided game.

The fourth quarter was more of the same and early in the final quarter the Rockets had taken a forty point lead 107-67. If you think that Saturday night’s loss was an embarrassment think again. The Kings did win the fourth quarter but this game was a done deal at half time. The Kings came around in the fourth quarter winning the quarter 37-25. The final was 122-97.

Wednesday night the Kings will take on the Portland Trail Blazers at Golden 1 Center. Hopefully the crowd can get this team energized and an even more importantly get Fox back on the court.

The Kings, of course, does not want to put Fox back on the court until he is completely ready. They cannot afford to risk further injury to Fox’s ankle. This team is going through some discouraging times and they need to pull it all together and come out the other side. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM.