Category: Cal Bears

Utah Nips Cal: Bears rally falls short in aggravating 60-58 loss

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By Morris Phillips

BERKELEY, CA–The general rule of thumb is when a Pac-12 opponent is trying to give you something, take it.

But on Saturday afternoon at Haas Pavilion, Utah kept giving and host Bears were slow to take, in a frustrating 60-58 loss.

The Utes survived despite going without a made field goal for six-and-half minutes in the second half and losing leading scorer Branden Carlson to injury. Cal got within two points twice, the first with 19 seconds remaining. But Lazar Stefanovic hit a pair of free throws before Jalen Celestine canned a three with five seconds remaining and Utah escaped.

The Bears missed eight of their last 10 shots, and went more than four minutes without a field goal before Celestine’s 3 in the final seconds. Cal shot just 39 percent from the floor, and missed nine of their 11 3-point attempts after halftime when they needed at least one big shot to draw them closer.

“At the end of the night we’ll look back and realize the consequences of some little mistakes throughout the game were great,” coach Mark Fox said. “We had some little mistakes that you look back that were just back-breaking in a two-point loss.”

Marco Anthony led Utah with 13 points, four rebounds and four assists.

“This season, leading up until now, we’ve been on that other side and there’s been some obstacles,” Anthony said. “But now we’re getting over that hump.”

Lars Thiemann led Cal with 16 points, and Kuany Kuany added 10, but they were the only two Bears to make more than half of their attempted shots.

Jordan Shepherd, who scored 33 in the win at Oregon, had 10 against the Utes and was limited by a hand injury suffered in that previous game. Shepard played 34 minutes Saturday but had just two made baskets. Fox touched on Cal’s limitations in playing without Andre Kelly, their leading scorer who has missed the last seven games with a season-ending ankle injury.

“The issue for us, when Lars goes out, we get small really fast,” Fox said.

Utah and Cal have amazing parallels starting with their 10-game losing streaks. Both teams broke their streaks by beating Oregon State less than a week apart, and have gone on to now record road sweeps with Cal winning twice in Oregon last week and Utah beating Stanford and now Cal this week.

Both teams are 4-13 in league play and tied for 10th place after Saturday’s contest. Each will have three more opportunities to come up with a fifth Pac-12 win or more. For Cal, their best shot at another conference victory comes this Saturday against visiting Stanford.

Cal Bears basketball podcast with Morris Phillips: Cal can’t hold on just miss with 60-58 loss to Utah

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Utah guard Gabe Madsen (55) shoots against California guard Jordan Shepherd at Haas Pavilion in Berkeley on Sat Feb 19, 2022 (AP News photo)

On the Cal Bears basketball podcast with Morris:

#1 Morris, the Utah Utes (10-16) didn’t score for almost seven minutes in the second half and the Cal Bears (11-17) almost took advantage of it cutting the score down to two points. The Bears made a valent effort at the end but couldn’t seal the deal taking a tough 60-58 loss at Haas Pavilion.

#2 Later though Utah found the basket and pulled away with just over seven minutes left in the game.

#3 The Utes held the lead in this one from the opening tip with a first half lead by 32-24 and couldn’t muster up to catch the Utes in the closing minutes of the game.

#4 The Bears Lars Thiemann 16 pts, Jalen Celestine, Kuany Kuany and Jordan Shepherd finished with 10 pts and Grant Anticevich with eight.

#5 Cal tips off against the Stanford Cardinal next Sat Feb 26 the Stanford has won only two of their last six games and lost to the Utes last Thursday 60-56. Tell us how you see this match up next Saturday.

Join Morris for the Cal Bears basketball podcasts each week at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Utes come from behind to stun Cardinal 60-56

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The agony of defeat and the thrill of victory all in one photo as Stanford Cardinal players walk off the floor as the Utah Utes celebrate in the foreground at Utah University on Thu Feb 17, 2022 (AP News photo)

By Daniel Dullum
Thursday, February 17, 2022

Utah used a late run to come from behind at earn its first road win of the Pac-12 men’s basketball season Thursday, defeating Stanford 60-56 at Maples Pavilion.

Center Branden Carlson and reserve Both Gach led the Runnin’ Utes with 13 points each, while Rollie Worster and Gabe Madsen were next with 11 points apiece. Marco Anthony grabbed 12 rebounds.

James Keefe and Jaiden Delaire scored 11 points each to lead Stanford (15-11 overall, 8-8 Pac-12). Keefe was the Cardinal’s leading rebounders with eight, followed by Delaire and Harrison Ingram with seven boards each.

Brandon Angel scored eight of his 10 points off the Stanford bench during a 12-4 run for the Cardinal to close out the first half. Stanford led 28-21 at the break.

The Runnin’ Utes (10-16 overall, 3-13 Pac-12) trailed by five points with five minutes to play in the second half. With under four minutes to play, a steal by Madsen lead to Gach’s layup, and moments later, Carlson dunked on the Cardinal’s Keefe to tie the game at 54-all at 2:35.

Madsen’s 3-pointer with 1:42 left put the Utes ahead, eventually building a two-possession lead, as Utah finished the game with a 16-8 run.

On Saturday, Utah travels to Berkeley to face California, while the Cardinal host Colorado in its home finale.

Second Half Stampede: Colorado bests Cal, 70-62, ends Bears modest win streak

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By Morris Phillips

BERKELEY, CA–Five consecutive halves of competitive basketball from the Golden Bears delivered the expected: two wins and a loss.

The loss came Thursday night at Haas Pavilion, 70-62 to Colorado as the Buffs seized control of a close game with a 14-1 run to start the second half. Cal’s 25 percent shooting after the break put an end to what had been a promising start, and a continuation of the club’s strong play during their sweep of the Oregon schools.

“We were pleased with our play on both ends in the first half, and then really disappointed with how we started the second half,” coach Mark Fox said. “We didn’t play well enough in the second half and I thought Colorado took advantage of our defensive play.”

The Bears shot 15 of 29 in the first half and led by seven at the break. But an opportunity was missed in the final minutes when they missed four 3’s and failed to go to halftime with a double-digit lead. The second half started with a string of empty possessions contrasting the Buffs’ aggressiveness that saw them take the ball to the basket repeatedly with success.

“I’m really pleased with the toughness we showed,” Colorado coach Tad Boyle said. “Cal’s a physical team. We had to be tougher and stronger and we played that way.”

Cal’s close of the first half, and their drought to start the second saw them miss 22 of 25 shots. That took the home crowd out of the mix, and left the Bears in a tough spot, entirely of their making according to Fox.

“As soon as adversity hit, we didn’t respond the right way and I was certainly very disappointed in all of us tonight.”

What specifically changed? The Buffs defensive pressure. Cal enjoyed a string of open looks in the first half. That stopped after the break as Colorado gained intensity. And the Bears’ response wasn’t to match the visitors’ energy. That difference was reflected in a 43-28 edge in the rebounding for the visitors, and in Colorado’s 21 made free throws, a benefit of them taking the ball to the basket.

“We clawed our way back in by getting stops,” Boyle said. “We adjusted in the second half and turned it around.”

CU got 19 points each from Jabari Walker and freshman KJ Simpson. Evan Battey added 18.

Jalen Celestine and Grant Anticevich led Cal with just 11 points each, and Kuany Kuany added a season-best 10 in just 18 minutes off the bench.

The Bears continue their home stretch with a 3:00pm meeting with the Utah Utes on Saturday.

Cal Bears podcast with Michael Duca: After two game sweep on road trip Cal ready to take on Colorado Thursday in Berkeley

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The Cal Bears Jordan Shepherd (31) led with a career high 33 points throws down against the Oregon Ducks at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene on Sat Feb 12, 2022 (photo by Cal Bears Athletics Dept)

On the Cal Bears podcast with Michael:

On the Cal Bears basketball podcast with Michael:

#1 When you just sit back and look at that score the Cal Bears (11-15) 78 and the Oregon Ducks (16-8) 64 a game that was played at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene on Saturday night it’s shocking but yes it’s real.

#2 The win on Saturday in Eugene was Cal’s second win in this two game Oregon trip taking two games at Oregon State and Oregon. Previous to the win on Thursday at Oregon State Cal had lost ten straight games. What changed?

#3 The Bears guard Jordan Shepherd on Saturday was the only Cal player to score in double figures with 33 points which quite remarkable if you consider Cal winning by 14 points so it looks like all Shepherd all the time.

#4 What also was remarkable was the first half Sunday where the Bears scored a 38-22 lead going into half time and you could see the shock on the faces on Ducks fans and Ducks bench.

#5 The Bears next take on the Colorado Buffaloes (15-9) on Thursday night at Haas Pavilion. The Buffaloes have won their last two games and have won four of their last ten games. Colorado defeated the Utah Utes (9-16) 81-76 in their last game on Saturday night.

Join Michael for the Cal Bears podcasts each Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Cal Bears Basketball podcast with Morris Phillips: Who would have thought Cal takes two on last road trip

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Oregon guard Jacob Young (42) and California forward Lars Thiemann (21) battle for the loose ball at Phillip Knight Arena in Eugene on Sat Feb 12, 2022 (AP News photo)

On the Cal Bears basketball podcast with Morris:

#1 When you just sit back and look at that score the Cal Bears (11-15) 78 and the Oregon Ducks (16-8) 64 a game that was played at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene on Saturday night it’s shocking but yes it’s real.

#2 The win on Saturday in Eugene was Cal’s second win in this two game Oregon trip taking two games at Oregon State and Oregon. Previous to the win on Thursday at Oregon State Cal had lost ten straight games. What changed?

#3 The Bears guard Jordan Shepherd on Saturday was the only Cal player to score in double figures with 33 points which quite remarkable if you consider Cal winning by 14 points so it looks like all Shepherd all the time.

#4 What also was remarkable was the first half Sunday where the Bears scored a 38-22 lead going into half time and you could see the shock on the faces on Ducks fans and Ducks bench.

#5 The Bears next take on the Colorado Buffaloes (15-9) who have won their last two games and have won four of their last ten games. Colorado defeated the Utah Utes (9-16) 81-76 in their last game on Saturday night.

Join Morris for the Cal Bears podcasts each Monday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Bears Find Safe Passage On The Oregon Trail: Cal completes rare road sweep, shocks the Ducks, 78-64

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By Morris Phillips

More than 200 years after the Oregon Trail was established, there were the Golden Bears trapping opponents, and trading their tarnished reputations for new ones draped in respect on Super Bowl weekend.

Yes, winning first at Oregon State, then shocking the NCAA-hopeful Oregon Ducks, 78-64 on Saturday afternoon demands some historical perspective for Cal hoops. The first win for the Bears in Eugene since 2014 was also was biggest win in coach Mark Fox’s tenure in Berkeley. The embattled coach’s remarks afterwards slyly interpreted the occasion.

“This isn’t about me,” Fox said. “This is about trying to re-establish Cal basketball. We came here expecting to win.”

Getting the opportunity to say what you wouldn’t dare say before you stop a crippling, 10-game losing streak is wholly satisfying. Getting to say it in a manner that defends your methods and personality even more so. Fox earned that opportunity on Saturday, and selflessly spread the wealth.

“During that stretch, you find out who’s with you and who’s not,” Fox said of the losing streak’s effect on his team. “And those kids in there never wavered.”

What the Bears accomplished on Saturday was nothing less than shocking in its manner and impact. After a leisurely start that saw the visitors fall behind 12-5, a timeout hatched a 24-0 run that had Cal in control, leading 29-12 with 7:19 remaining before the break. During the timeout, Fox reiterated to his club not to force the issue at the rim with the athletic Ducks, but instead take what Oregon’s zone look would afford.

“We said, take the midrange jumper,” Fox said of his message. “It’s still a good shot in basketball.”

Jordan Shepherd connected from the free throw line extended first, then less than a minute later, Kuany Kuany buried a jumper from nearly the same spot. Sam Alajiki hit a 3, then Lars Thiemann followed with a layup while fouled, and he hit the following free throw.

On the other end, Oregon (16-8, 9-4) committed a pair of turnovers, then missed two 3-pointers. Their Matthew Knight Arena crowd grew quiet, and Cal kept up the onslaught. Ultimately, the Ducks would misfire 10 consecutive shots, and the 3’s that had carried them–Oregon leads the Pac-12 in shooting percentage from distance at 36 percent–would be their worst enemy. Against Cal, the Ducks were 5 for 27 from distance.

“We came out and gave them easy baskets to start the game,” OU coach Dana Altman said. “They got rolling, and we could never get it stopped. And then on offense our ball movement wasn’t good, we missed some open shots and maybe tightened up a bit.”

Shepherd led the Bears (11-15, 4-11) with 33 points on 9 for 15 shooting from the floor. No one else was in double-digits for Cal, Grant Anticevich, Jalen Celestine and Makale Foreman each scored eight points.

The Bears enjoyed a healthy advantage on the glass early, limiting the Ducks to one shot on most possessions. The final rebounding numbers were 36-31 for Cal, but the first half, when the game was decided, greatly favored Cal.

The Bears shot 53 percent for the game, and didn’t allow themselves to be hurt by their 17 turnovers once they gained control.

On Thursday, the Bears get the unique opportunity to further reiterate their resurgence in a meeting with Colorado on Thursday at 6:30pm at Haas Pavilion.

Cal Bears podcast with Michael Duca: Cal snaps 10 game losing streak beat Beavers 63-61

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California guard Jordan Shepherd passes around Oregon State guard Dexter Akanno at Gill Coliseum in Corvallis on Wed Feb 10, 2022 (AP News photo)

On the Cal Bears podcast with Michael:

#1 Last night the Cal Bears (10-15) finally can breath a sigh of relief after taking a two point victory over the Oregon State Beavers (3-18) 63-61 at Gill Coliseum in Corvallis on Wednesday night to snap a ten game losing streak. 

#2 The Beavers Dexter Akanno hit a three pointer with 5:16 in the second half to tie the game at 55 all. The Beavers did regain the lead hitting six consecutive free throws narrowing the lead to 61-59 with 1:54 left in the contest.

#3 It was Shepherd who took a jump shot 1:39 to tie the game at 61 up on a goaltending call with 18 seconds remaining. The Beavers Jarod Lucas took a three point shot with just two seconds left and Maurice Calloo tried to score on rebound to put the ball in the net but missed. Shepherd led Cal with 15 points.

#4 The Bears Grant Anticevich had 13 points and eight rebounds. Anticevich for his efforts scored three 3 pointers. Cal’s Joel Brown had nine points, seven assists, and nine rebounds.

#5 Cal takes on the Oregon Ducks (15-7) Saturday at 1:00pm in Eugene. The Ducks have won three straight games including a win over the Utah Utes (9-15) a three point victory 80-77. Michael set this one up what are Cal’s chances?

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

Bears Breakthrough: Cal wins at Oregon State, 63-61, ends 10-game losing streak

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By Morris Phillips

Throughout a difficult losing skid, and after an injury sidelined their leading scoring for the rest of the season, the Cal Bears kept it together. The payoff for all that focus and belief came Wednesday night.

Maurice Calloo’s improbable miss at the rim that would have sent the game into overtime, allowed the Bears to escape with a 63-61 win in Corvallis over Oregon State. Cal broke their 10-game losing streak, and won for the first time on the road this season.

“These young men weren’t winning but they were functioning like winners so you had to know things would eventually turn around if we did the right thing,” coach Mark Fox said.

The Bears (10-15, 3-11) trailed by one at the half, and never led by more than four points. That led them to a suspenseful conclusion in which Jordan Shepherd’s shot was goaltended with 18 seconds remaining, breaking a 61-61 tie.

Andre Kelly, Cal’s leading scorer who injured January 29 in a loss to USC was declared lost for the season before the game when medical tests on his ankle revealed significant damage. That again forced Fox to rethink his lineups, and depend on a smaller core of performers.

Against OSU, Grant Anticevich, Jalen Celestine, Joel Brown and Shepherd each logged at least 35 minutes, and Cal had to weather their own uneven play at points due to their reliance on the tighter rotation.

Calloo’s 3-pointer with 11:43 remaining put OSU up 47-42, but Cal responded with an 11-2 run to lead 53-49 with 6:47 left.

“We weren’t good defensively to start the second half, but once we strung together some stops, I felt like we settled in,” Fox said.

The Bears took advantage of Oregon State on the glass with 14 offensive rebounds leading to 17 points. That along with 10 steals offset Cal’s 36 percent shooting that was too poor to allow them to sustain any momentum.

Shepherd led Cal with 15 points, and Anticevich had 13 points, eight rebounds. Brown contributed nine points, nine rebounds and seven assists along with a stellar defensive job on OSU’s Jarod Lucas, who scored just two points after halftime.

“I’m super-proud of Joel. He really competed well tonight and I thought he was probably our MVP,” Fox said of Brown. “We had a lot of guys chip in and play well but he was the difference in this one.”

Last season the Beavers (3-18, 1-10) defeated Cal three times, and then the Bears were forced to watch the hosts improbable run, as OSU won the Pac-12 Tournament and advanced to the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament. But those standout performers that led Oregon State have endured a rough season that’s landed them in last place in the conference.

Warith Alatishe was limited to 24 minutes on Wednesday and finished with seven points, seven rebounds while clearly favoring a previous knee injury.

Calloo led Oregon State with 18 points but missed 10 of his 16 shots from the field.

The Bears travel to Eugene on Saturday to face the Oregon Ducks at 1:00pm.

Cal Bears basketball podcast with Morris Phillips: Big step in fixing I880 shooting of Ransom in arresting suspect right away

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Former Cal Bears star point guard Gene Ransom was shot and killed while driving on I880 on Fri Feb 4, 2022. Ransom who played for the Golden Bears in the 70s was 65 years old (photo from the Cal Bears)

On the Cal Bears basketball podcast with Morris:

#1 Morris with the number of shooting deaths and injuries on I880 the City of Oakland and the CHP need to crack these cases of who doing these freeway killings such as the case of former Cal Bear basketball star Gene Ransom 65, who was shot and killed last Friday night in Oakland by suspect Juan Angel Garcia 25 .

#2 The circumstances was truly sad for Ransom’s girlfriend who was waiting for Ransom to pick her up and Ransom’s friend filmmaker Doug Harris previous to learning about his murder.

#3 Harris said during Ransom’s playing days said that Ransom was the greatest high school or college players that he ever witnessed. Harris had been teaching and coaching kids in high school and teaching them about gun violence and was taken away from the very thing he was teaching.

#4 Morris you said in your game recap the Cal Bears (9-15) on Saturday had a miss shot here and a failed pass there in your headline as the Bears lost by four 68-64 to the Washington State Cougars (14-7) at Haas Pavilion in Berkeley.

#5 Cal gets set for their next meeting in Corvallis against the Oregon State Beavers (3-17) the Beavers were just landsided in their last game by the Colorado Buffaloes (14-9) 86-63 in Colorado. The Beavers have lost three straight games and the Bears have lost ten straight games going into Wednesday’s game.

Join Morris for the Cal Bears podcast Mondays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com