Category: NCAA

Sacramento State Hornets fall to Eastern Washington Eagles, 102-94, Hornets now on 4-Game Losing Streak

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Sacramento State Hornet guard #16 Prophet Johnson makes a fastbreak layup to help bring the Hornets from behind, 61-49, in Sacramento, California, on February 19th, 2026, at the Hornet Pavilion. (Photo credits to Michael Villanueva)

By Michael Villanueva

SACRAMENTO – As the weather and storms that covered the 916 area all week stopped on Thursday evening, the weather cleared up just in time for the Sacramento State Hornets to start their two-game homestands this week. However, the Hornets lost to Eastern Washington Eagles, 102-94. This loss pushed the Hornets into a 4-game losing streak, and improved the Eagles to 5-0 in the month of February. The Hornets’ record would fall to (9-17, 5-9 Big Sky)

The Hornets came home desperately wanting to secure a win and, of course, protect their home court. Hornets were 9-2 at home entering this game, but are now 9-3 after dropping this one to the Eagles. Sac State has lost the last 3 games dating back to Feb. 7th against Portland State in Sacramento. The last two losses were on the road against Northern Colorado on Feb. 12th and Northern Arizona on Feb.19th.

Coming into the game, the Hornets were 5-1 at home in conference play, with that only loss against first-place Portland State. Eastern Washington and Sacramento State last faced off on Jan. 24th in Cheney, as the Eagles defeated the Hornets, 75-67. The all time series between these two programs is now 17-49, with Sac State losing 13 of the 15 in the series. The last time the Hornets won against the Eagles in Sacramento was on Feb. 26th, 2022, with the final score being 81-75.

Eastern Washington has now won five straight after starting conference play with a 3-6 record. Although the Eagles’ road record was 3-13, the Hornets played against a different version of the Eagles that took over the Well, here in Sacramento. This game was the 1st out of just 3 home games remaining for Sac State.

With starting guard Mikey Williams being out now for 3 games due to an injury. Sac State coach Mike Bibby started his squad with guards Taj Glover, Prophet Johnson, Jahni Summers, and forwards Shaqir O’Neal and Mark Lavrenov. Mark Lavrenov is second in the Big Sky in rebounding and fifth in offensive rebounds (2.7), along with five double-doubles this season. The freshman is having an incredible first season in the NCAA and with Sac State.

Eagles guard Tyler Powell got the game going tonight with back-to-back three-pointers for Eastern Washington. Setting them up for not just a hot start, but pretty much set the tone for them to be aggressive the whole game. After just 5 minutes into the game, the score was 21-4, the Eagles lead. In that span of 5 minutes, the Hornets went 3 minutes without scoring, going 1-of-6 on the floor.

Eastern Washington found and got themselves the largest lead of the night with a 24-point lead with 13 minutes in the first half, 28-4. During that the Eagles were on a 10-0 scoring run, putting the Hornets in a tough and awkward position in their home, and well, pretty much the whole game.

After 10 minutes had gone by in the game, the Hornets were still down 33-16. Although Sac State’s shooting was starting to pick up, the team found themselves playing catch up all night in their home. Hornets were now shooting 6-of-14, making their last 5 shots on the floor in a row. While the Eagles also made their last five shots out of seven attempts.

Hornets guard Prophet Johnson at the 6-minute mark would make the first three-pointer of the night for Sacramento State, as the team is now 1-of-4 from beyond the arc. On the other side of the court, the Eagles were flying high as they finished the first half with 10 made three pointers out of 16 attempts. Eastern Washington would also later finish the first half with 57 points. Eagles guard Jojo Anderson makes an acrobatic layup to beat the buzzer for the team.

At halftime, Sacramento State is down going into halftime at 57-39. Hornets guard Prophet Johnson leads the Hornets so far with 12 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists. He also hasn’t been subbed out at all, as coach Mike Bibby is relying on his game since guard Mikey Williams, who averages 17.1 points per game, is out due to injury. Injuries have been a massive problem as the team was without six players on Saturday against Northern Arizona University.

Coming back from halftime, the Hornets were locked in and ready for a comeback. The team showed their determination, hustle, and grit by fighting back into the game for a possible comeback. Sac State would start the second half going on a quick 8-0 scoring a run to bring them back within 10 points. That scoring run would change into a 10-4, with 6 points of those coming from Hornets guard Prophet Johnson.

Halfway through the second half, the Hornets were able to cut the lead to just 11 points, but was still struggling shooting from deep and at the free throw line. Eagles guard Isaiah Moses was determined to get the road win as he finished the night with 26 points on 6-of-8 shooting from deep, along with Tyler Powell, who had 17 points shooting 5-of-8 from deep as well.

In the final two minutes of the game, the Hornets found themselves down just 9 points, 95-86, but time was not on the Hornets’ side. Bad shooting, bad inside passes, and questionable calls from the ref haunted Sac State the whole night. Coming into that final stretch, you wanted time on your side, as the Eagles were making tough layups and shots that ultimately secured their win. The Hornets were desperately trying to stop and play hard defense, but couldn’t. As the final buzzer went off, the final score would be 102-94.

Hornets guard Prophet Johnson led the team with 26 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists. Matching him with 26 points was Arman Madi, who also had 4 rebounds and 3 assists. Sacramento State has proven they love to play and show out in their home, by shooting 43% from deep. Tonight’s game was a different story as the team was able to shoot at only 29%. (5-of-17)

Sacramento State will return back in their home this Saturday, on Feb. 21st, to host the Idaho Vandals. The game will start right back again at 7 p.m. on ESPN+. This will be the second last home game of the season, as both programs fight for wins and lift their team higher in the standings. Idaho is in 7th, and Sacramento State is in 8th in the Big Sky Conference.

Whether you’re pre-gaming with the Kings or celebrating an A’s win, Cyprus Grille at the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena is your downtown go-to.

⚡Craft cocktails? Check.
🔥Game-day bites? Oh yeah.
🏟️Steps from Golden 1 Center? You bet.

Open daily, Cyprus Grille is serving up local flavor with a front-row seat to the action. Stop by before or after the game—or make it your new downtown hangout.

Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.

📍Located inside the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena @ 300 J Street

Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm

Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in. 

Stanford Cardinal podcast Michael Roberson: Cardinal prepare to meet rival Cal Saturday night at Haas Pavilion

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Stanford Cardinal Rohosy (4) blocks a shot by the Wake Forest Deacon Demon Juke Harris (2) at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Winston Salem NC on Sat Fevb 14, 2026 (AP News photo)

Stanford Cardinal podcast Michael Roberson:

#1 How will Ebuka Okorie’s scoring impact shape up against Cal’s defense, given that he’s been Stanford’s top offensive threat this season?

#2 Can Benny Gealer continue his efficiency from beyond the arc and help stretch the floor early against Cal’s backcourt pressure?

#3 What adjustments might coach Kyle Smith ask from Ryan Agawal on both ends, especially in rebounding and defending Cal’s wings?

#4 How significant will the interior play of AJ Rohosy be in controlling the boards and limiting Cal’s scoring in the paint?

#5 Will center/forward Adam Cammann size and playmaking create mismatches against Cal’s defense, and how might that influence Stanford’s offensive rhythm?

Michael Roberson does the Cal Bears podcasts each Wednesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Underdog Spartans Stun Nevada 87-71, End Losing Streak

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

San Jose State Spartans forward Sadraque NgaNga (99) takes a jump shot on the Nevada Wolfpack’s guard Corey Camper (4) at Provident Credit Union Event Center in San Jose on Tue Feb 17, 2026 (San Jose State Spartans X photo)

By Ryan Hannagan
San Jose, Calif.

SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — San Jose State ended its eight game losing streak in emphatic fashion Tuesday night, knocking off the Nevada Wolfpack 87-71 at Provident Credit Union Event Center.

The Spartans (7-19, 2-13 Mountain West), who had not beaten the Wolf Pack since January 2020, delivered one of their most complete performances of the season despite being without four starters. Jermaine Washington Jr., Yaphet Moundhi, Javaughn Hannah and Ben Roseborough all remained sidelined due to injury.

San Jose State entered the night short handed and near the bottom of the Mountain West standings, while Nevada (17-9, 9-6) came in fourth in the conference and heavily favored. The Wolf Pack defeated the Spartans 87-54 in their previous meeting.

The Spartans wasted little time setting the tone.

San Jose State opened the game on an 11-3 run, fueled by back-to-back 3-pointers from Nganga. The Spartans hit their first five attempts from beyond the arc and built a heavy lead, forcing Nevada to burn an early timeout.

Adrian Meyers paced the offense early, scoring 11 points in less than seven minutes, with most of his production coming from long range. Nevada struggled to find rhythm offensively, shooting 33% midway through the first half.

San Jose State did not attempt its first free throws until the final three minutes of the half, underscoring its efficiency from the field. The Spartans carried a 47-32 lead into halftime, shooting 52% from the field and 52% from 3-point range while dishing out 12 assists and grabbing 18 rebounds.

Nevada shot 41% in the first half and just 20% from beyond the arc, while also getting out rebounded by the smaller Spartans.

The Wolf Pack responded with urgency in the second half.

Nevada increased its physicality inside and began attacking the rim, earning frequent trips to the free throw line. Five minutes into the half, the Wolf Pack had attempted 18 free throws, converting 15, compared with just four attempts for San Jose State.

The surge cut the Spartans’ lead from 15 to six, as Nevada’s halftime adjustments and San Jose State’s foul trouble shifted momentum.

But the Spartans answered.

Colby Garland drilled a 3 pointer to push the lead back to double digits, and Pasha Goodzari followed with another from deep. San Jose State extended its advantage to 13 with 8:55 remaining and maintained control the rest of the way.

The Spartans finished 30 of 58 (52%) from the field and 15 of 29 (52%) from 3 point range. Nevada shot 22 of 55 (40%) overall and just 3 of 20 (15%) from long distance.

Nevada held a significant edge at the free throw line, going 24 of 32 (75%), while San Jose State finished 12 of 19 (63%).

The Spartans outrebounded the Wolf Pack 38-32 and recorded 18 assists. Both teams committed 15 turnovers.

San Jose State’s largest lead was 18 points. Nevada never led.

For a team battered by injuries and a difficult season, the victory marked a much needed bright spot as the regular season winds down.

Stanford Cardinal podcast Michael Roberson: Cardinal come away from road trip with a split lose to Wake Forest Saturday

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Stanford Cardinal Ebuki Okorie (1) hangs onto the basketball while the Wake Forest Demon Deacons Mehki Mason (right) reaches in and Juke Harris is seated behind Okorie at the Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Winston-Salem NC on Sat Feb 14, 2026 (AP News photo)

Stanford Cardinal podcast Michael Roberson:

#1 What factors contributed to Wake Forest’s (13-12) victory over the Stanford Cardinal (16-10), and how did the Demon Deacons pull away in the second half? (Final score Wake Forest 68, Stanford 63)

#2 For Stanford the high scorers were Ebuka Okorie with 22 points, Benny Gealer 11 points, and Aidan Camman ten points try as hard as they may the Cardinal dropped this one on Saturday by five points.

#3 How did Stanford’s standout freshman Ebuka Okorie perform relative to his season averages, and did Wake Forest do anything specific to slow him down? (Okorie was averaging ~22.4 points per game before the matchup)

#4 Wake Forest got good scoring production out of Juke Harris who led with 25 points followed up by teammate Mekhi Mason with ten points.

#5 Up next for the Cardinal the Cal Bears at Haas Pavilion in Berkeley on Sat Feb 21st. Cal had a split on the road losing to Syracuse 107-100 on Wednesday night and on Saturday they handled the Boston College Eagles 86-75 to improve to 18-8. How do you see this match with Stanford heading over to Cal on Saturday night?

Micahel Roberson filled in for Daniel Dullum who does the Stanford Cardinal podcasts each Sunday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Stanford Cardinal podcast Michael Roberson: You can’t even contain him Okorie scores 22 Cardinal beat Boston College 70-64

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Boston College men’s basketball forward Jayden Hastings (right) with the ball against Stanford Cardinal Oskar Giltay (15) at Conte Forum on Feb. 11, 2026. | John Sexton / Boston College Eagles On SI

Stanford Cardinal basketball podcast Michael Roberson:

#1 Stanford’s (16-9) leading scorer, Ebuka Okorie, finished with 22 points against Boston College (9-15), and how did his performance impact the final result?

#2 Did guard Benny Gealer’s three-point shooting significantly contribute to Stanford’s offensive success in this game, and if so, how effective was he from beyond the arc?

#3 Stanford forward AJ Rohosy had eight rebounds and Aidan Cammann five rebounds in the matchup, and how did their board work influence the flow of the game?

#4 How did guard Jeremy Dent-Smith’s performance help Stanford maintain or extend a lead during critical stretches against Boston College (9-15)?

#5 Considering Ryan Agarwal’s contributions, did he provide key defensive stops or secondary scoring that affected Stanford’s ability to close out this ACC road game?

Join Michael Roberson for the Stanford Cardinal podcasts Thursdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Pacific Tigers Comeback 10 Points Late to Defeat LMU, 65–59

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Pacific Tiger guard #2 Elias Ralph shoots a midrange jumper in the 2nd half on February 11th, 2026, at the Alex G. Spanos Center in Stockton, CA. (Photo Credits to Michael Villanueva)

By Michael Villanueva

STOCKTON – On Wednesday night at the Alex G. Spanos Center, the Pacific Tigers men’s basketball team defeated Loyola Marymount 65–59 in another exciting home game, heading to their first winning season in six years.

With four regular-season games left and at least one meeting certain in the WCC Tournament, Pacific came into the meeting with an overall record of 16–10 and a 7–6 record in the West Coast Conference. The program secured its first winning season since the 2019–20 season and only the third since the Tigers returned to the WCC in 2013–14 with a win over LMU.

The Tigers had a 10-1 record inside the Spanos Center, proving their dominance at home throughout the season. The program’s best home success rate since Pacific’s 12-1 home record in the 2004– 05 season was achieved with a home winning percentage of 0.909. The Tigers’ home record was 819–463 overall, with a 356–230 record at the Alex G. Spanos Center.

In addition, Pacific started the evening alone in fourth place in the WCC standings, one game ahead of Washington State, San Francisco, and Oregon State. The game was crucial for positioning in the final stretch since a No. 3 or No. 4 seed would guarantee a bye into the conference tournament’s quarterfinal round on Sunday, March 7.

The two sides had different trends going into the game. The Lions had a 3–7 record over their last 10 games, while the Tigers had a 6–4 record.

Justin Rochelin, Jaden Clayton, TJ Wainwright, Elias Ralph, and Isaac Jack made up Pacific’s starting five. With an average of 16.3 points and 6.7 rebounds per game, Ralph had been the Tigers’ top scorer. Over the last ten games, Wainwright averaged 14.6 points and 4.0 rebounds, demonstrating a consistent scoring presence.

The starting lineup for LMU included Rick Issanza, Aaron McBride, Rodney Brown Jr., Myron Amey Jr., and Jan Vide. Brown Jr., who averaged 2.9 made three-pointers per game, scored 14.2 points, and shot 38.8 percent from beyond the arc, had been a vital perimeter danger for the Lions. Shelley had also been a consistent contributor for LMU, averaging 14 points and 5.9 rebounds over the last 10 games.

After defeating San Francisco 84-75 on the road and San Diego 83-63 at home, LMU came to Stockton with a lot of energy. Pacific was ranked No. 102 in the NCAA NET Rankings, ahead of LMU at No. 160, despite the Lions’ recent success. Pacific’s highest-ever finish, No. 110, was also obtained during the 2019–20 season, which marked the introduction of the NET Rankings.

Rodney Brown Jr. made a jumper to give Loyola Marymount the lead early in the game, but Pacific quickly answered with a jumper of their own from Elias Ralph. As the first half went on, the Tigers found it hard to get into an offensive rhythm despite their quick response.

The Lions controlled the game for most of the first half, holding the lead for nearly 16 minutes, while the Tigers led for just over two. LMU’s defensive pressure disrupted Pacific throughout the half, holding the Tigers to just 29 percent shooting from the field. After the first 10 minutes, LMU had built a 10-point advantage. With 7:30 remaining in the first half, Pacific was shooting just 21 percent from the floor, going 4-of-19.

At halftime, the Tigers trailed 31–25. Although Pacific outrebounded LMU 19–13, shooting efficiency proved to be the difference. The Tigers connected on just one of seven three-point attempts, while the Lions made five of 12 shots from long range. Pacific did find success in the paint, scoring 12 of its 25 first-half points inside, but struggles elsewhere prevented the Tigers from closing the gap before the break.

Elias Ralph sparked Pacific’s incredible comeback in the second half. He energized the Tigers and started a comeback with a made three-pointer to start the half. Ralph then led a 7-0 scoring run with a hook shot and a layup on a cut to the hoop. Pacific took advantage of LMU’s lack of scoring for the first two minutes of the second half. The score was tied 36–36 after the first 4 minutes of the half.

The Tigers then took the lead on a layup from guard Jaden Clayton, 38–36, and extended it immediately with a three-pointer from Justin Rochelin. Pacific would never relinquish the lead, erupting on a 25–5 run over nine minutes. Ralph was instrumental, finishing the game with 22 points and 7 rebounds, making 8 of 9 shots in the second half alone. TJ Wainwright contributed 10 points and 7 rebounds, while Clayton and Rochelin provided key support in crunch time. By the time eight minutes remained, Pacific had already outscored its first-half total, putting 28 points on the board in the second frame.

LMU briefly cut the lead during a four-minute scoreless stretch for the Tigers, narrowing the gap to nine points. However, Wainwright hit a clutch basket with 1:30 remaining to push the lead back to 11 and seal the win for Pacific.

The starting five of the Tigers overcame LMU’s early lead with a mix of effective defense and effective scoring play. Rodney Brown Jr. remained a perimeter threat for LMU, but the Lions were unable to keep up their domination in the first half.

With their win, Pacific moved one step closer to its first winning season since 2019–20, improving to 17–10 overall and 8–6 in West Coast Conference play. The Tigers prepared for the WCC Tournament by maintaining their momentum throughout the rest of the regular season.

In an attempt to hold onto their winning season as much as possible and keep gaining ground in West Coast Conference play, the Pacific Tigers will take on the St. Mary’s Gaels on February 14, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. at the Alex G. Spanos Center in Stockton, California.

Stanford Cardinal podcast Michael Roberson: Stanford handles Georgia Tech 95-72 at Maples

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Stanford Cardinal guard Ebuka Okorie couldn’t be stopped leading with 40 points against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets guard Akai Fleming (0) who defends at Maples Pavilion on Sat Feb 7, 2026 (Stanford Cardinal X photo)

Stanford podcast Michael Roberson:

#1 Stanford’s (15-9) freshman guard Ebuka Okorie scored 40 points in the game against Georgia Tech (11-13), how did Okorie impact the final result?

#2 Senior guard Jeremy Dent-Smith scored 16 points for the Cardinal in terms of scoring and assists how did Dent-Smith impact the matchup?

#3 Stanford forwards — Oskar Giltay didn’t score and Aidan Cammann scored seven points both had three rebounds — against Georgia Tech?

#4 Guard Benny Gealer scored nine points and did Gealer provide significant defensive stops in the later stages of Stanford’s win?

#5 Ryan Agarwal contributed on both ends of the floor with four points scoring, rebounding, or defense in Stanford’s performance against Georgia Tech?

Michael Roberson was filling in for Daniel Dullum who does the Stanford Cardinal podcasts Sundays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Stanford Cardinal game wrap: Cardinal swat away Yellow Jackets 95-72, Saturday Evening on the Farm; end losing streak (5)

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Stanford Cardinal guard Benny Gealer finished with nine points against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Maples Pavilion on Sat Feb 7, 2026 (Stanford Cardinal photo)

By Michael Roberson

 STANFORD, Calif. — Freshman sensation Ebuka Okorie’s record-breaking 40 points helped his Stanford Cardinal (15-9, 4-7 ACC) put a halt to their five-game losing streak, by forging through the swarm of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (11-13, 2-9 ACC), 95-72, inside the friendly confines of Maples Pavilion.

Georgia Tech got the scoring underway with the first basket of the game.  Although there would be seven lead changes after that basket and one lone tie, two points would be their largest advantage of the entire game.

Stanford was able to be in the lead for nearly 16 minutes of the first half, while holding a lead as high as 11 points.  The Cardinal shot 47% from the floor and 44% from three.  they were perfect from the free throw line too.

Leading the way for Stanford in the first half, was the aforementioned Okorie, as he put up 18 points at the halfway point of the game, and was the lone reason why the team was perfect from the “Charity Stripe;”  he was 4-4 and hit two treys.  He was the only player to reach double-figures from either team.

At recess, the Cardinal held onto a four-point lead, 43-39.  The Yellow Jackets were fortunate to be that close, despite being behind most of the first half and trailing by double-digits for a portion of the block.

In the second half, Stanford was able to balloon the 4-point lead to as high as 23 points.  Okorie added 22 points to his game-leading tally, and another teammate joined him in the 10+ points echelon.  Jeremy Dent-Smith offered his 16 points to the Cardinal’s efforts.  

Despite being down big in the second half, the buzzing insects from the ATL did continue to fight.  However, there were no more ties of lead changes in the second 20 minutes of gametime.

After the final buzzer sounded, Stanford had stopped the losing streak at five consecutive games.  A huge sigh of relief glossed over Palo Alto and a gasp of astonishment reverberated inside Maples as their star first year player broke his own school record again and pleased the Cardinal faithful.

Okorie;s impressive line score read: 40 points*, 4 assists, 5 rebounds, and 4 steals.  Another Stanford freshman scoring record eclipsed by the same player within the same season (32, 36 & 40).

Georgia Tech had three performers worth mentioning.  Akai Fleming scored 19 points, while Baye Ndongo put up 14 points and grabbed 6 rebounds.  Jaeden Mustaf offered the Yellow Jackets 13 points.

The Cardinal will next be in action Wednesday, February 11, as they travel to Beantown to take on Boston College at ^ PM PT and ( PM ET on ESPNU.  Georgia Tech heads back to Atlanta on the same date to host Wake Forest at ( PM ET on the ACC Network.

Cal Falls to No. 20 Clemson 77–55 at Haas Pavilion on Rock Your Crocs Night

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

California Golden Bear forward #22 Chris Bell shoots his 2nd free throw attempt with 7:37 remaining in the 1st half in the Haas Pavilion on Saturday evening on February 7th, 2026. (Photo Credits to Michael Villanueva)

By Michael Villanueva

BERKELEY – In front of an excited home crowd, the California Golden Bears played No. 20 Clemson on Saturday night at Haas Pavilion for Rock Your Crocs Night. However, after early signs of optimism, the Tigers easily won 77–55.

Cal came into the game having lost the previous two meetings and losing the all-time series versus Clemson 2–1. Tigers have made it three straight losses in a row. The conference matchup was made more interesting by the fact that, like Georgia Tech before them, this was Clemson’s first time visiting Haas Pavilion. The Tigers started with RJ Godfrey, Jestin Porter, Jake Wahlin, Ace Buckner, and Carter Welling, while the Golden Bears, with their starting five of John Camden, Chris Bell, Justin Pippen, Dai Dai Ames, and center Milos Ilic, took the floor.

Cal was prepared to make a statement first. Justin Pippen quickly ignited the fans with a driving layup after the Golden Bears won the tip. Cal made all three of the team’s shots, while Pippen and Chris Bell led the squad in the first few minutes, with Pippen scoring seven points without a miss and Bell adding six. whereas Clemson had a difficult start, missing multiple shots and committing two turnovers in a nearly four-minute stretch. Five minutes into the game, the Golden Bears had a 13–9 lead, and the crowd was loving it.

However, things suddenly changed quickly. The Bears committed four turnovers in just four minutes, which led to Cal’s offensive decline and allowed Clemson to gain the upper hand. As they found their groove, the Tigers played with accuracy, dishing out nine assists. Their bench also added 20 points, which increased the pressure. The game shifted in favor of Clemson after a 17–1 scoring run over almost ten minutes, as Cal missed 13 straight field goals, falling to 24 percent shooting in the first half. The Tigers’ defense forced nine turnovers, made four blocks, and recorded four steals, keeping Cal to 38 percent from three-point range and giving Clemson a dominating 39–20 advantage at halftime.

Pippen opened the second half by making a midrange jumper and turning the foul into a three-point play. Bell slowly started to find his stride and made back-to-back shots to give the Golden Bears some energy after a short scoring slump. However, Clemson kept their dominance. The Tigers led 56–41 with eight minutes left, and RJ Godfrey’s three-pointer off a foul put them ahead 59–41. Any Cal comeback attempts were consistently stopped by Clemson’s effective offense and defense, which included aggressive drives, rebounds, and smart fouls that sent them to the line.

After Cal missed another field goal going for three minutes, the Tigers took the lead by 24 points, and then the team went on a 9–0 run in two minutes late in the second half, leading fans to begin leaving Haas Pavilion with five minutes remaining. In the closing minutes, Cal coach Mark Madsen started to slowly remove his starters. Despite scoring 33 points in the second half, the Golden Bears were unable to overcome Clemson’s dominant performance. Tigers made 12 three pointers in this game, compared to the home team Bears, who only made 4 all game.

Milos Ilic pulled down a team-high eight rebounds and added two assists, while Justin Pippen led Cal with 19 points. This is Justin’s 20th game this season, scoring in double-digits.

In front of an energetic, Croc-loving home crowd, Clemson easily won the game 77–55, handing Cal a 22-point loss. After an early hot start, the Golden Bears found it difficult to recover from the Tigers’ strong offensive attack and defensive pressure. Clemson is in 2nd place, while the Cal Bears are in 10th place in their conference. Syracuse came into the West Coast and won their games, going 2-0 in the Bay.

In an attempt to bounce back from the hard loss at home, the Golden Bears will travel for their next two games, starting at 4 p.m. on February 11 against Syracuse, who are currently on a two-game losing skid, and Boston College at 9 a.m. on February 14.

Super Bowl LX podcast Michael Duca: Discussion of what the difference maker will be Sunday

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) speaks with the news media Thu Feb 5, 2026 in San Jose (AP News photo)

Super Bowl LX podcast Michael Duca:

#1 Who will be the key difference-maker in Super Bowl LX Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold or Patriots quarterback Drake Maye — and how might their performances decide the game?

#2 How might Seattle’s top-ranked defense impact New England’s offensive game plan on Super Bowl Sunday?

#3 With the Seahawks favored by around 4.5 points in the odds, what strategies could the Patriots employ to keep the game close or pull off an upset?

#4 How will injuries — such as Seahawks rookie Nick Emmanwori’s ankle sprain — affect each team’s performance in the biggest game of the season?

#5 What historical or narrative storylines — such as this being a rematch of Super Bowl XLIX — add extra intrigue to the Seahawks vs. Patriots matchup?

Michael Duca is a podcast contributor at http://www.sportsradioservice.com