Ayrault, Michigan State Threaten An Unprecedented 7-0 Start To The Cal Women’s Season

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By Morris Phillips

Last season, Michigan State center Julia Ayrault’s inclusion to the All-Big Ten First Team was a no-brainer. Along with WNBA talents Caitlin Clark and Jacy Sheldon, Ayrault was one of the conference’s ten best players, averaging 15.4 points per game, 7.3 rebounds and 2.1 blocks.

This season, with Clark and Sheldon off to the pros, and some new, prominent names added from USC and UCLA, Ayrault’s name didn’t appear on the conference’s pre-season list. Given her talent, activity and versatility, the omission is glaring.

No confirmation here, but just assume Ayrault, the child of two former collegiate basketball players, might be taking all this personally. Her play in Michigan State’s dominant 6-0 start to the season would suggest as much. Ayrault has scored in double figures in all five games she’s played despite none of those games being in doubt after halftime.

On Tuesday morning in Palm Springs’ Acrisure Arena, Ayrault becomes the Cal women’s problem, as a big roadblock in the Bears attempt to forge a 7-0 start to the season for the first time under Coach Charmin Smith.

The meeting of undefeated teams comes as part of the Acrisure Classic, a four-team tournament that features Vanderbilt and Arizona in the second, opening day matchup.

Michigan State coach Robyn Fralick has her own concerns. Cal’s guard play and experience are worrisome to her, especially Ioanna Krimili and Lulu Twidale, who lead Cal in scoring, but more importantly, have hit big shots in key moments in the Bears’ 6-0 start.

“They shoot the three very well. I think when you watch them play, you can tell they’ve played a lot of basketball and make good decisions,” Fralick said of Cal’s backcourt of Krimili, Twidale and Kayla Williams.

In the combined 12 wins for both teams, neither have had many anxious moments. Michigan State is tied for the national-lead in quarters scoring at least 20 points with LSU. Their up-tempo style has overwhelmed their six mid-major opponents, with the margins of victory all falling between 37 and 65 points.

“At this point, I think we’re ready to see where we are,” Fralick declared.

Cal led by double digits throughout the second halves of their first five games, and against Auburn in their most recent outing, they finally had a game decided late, but Twidale hit a pair of threes in the final two minutes to create a winning margin.

The Bears-Spartans matchup features a familiar face as former Oregon Duck Grace VanSlooten, the Toledo, Ohio native, entered the transfer portal following her sophomore season, and agreed to join the Spartans and create a formidable post duo with Ayrault. VanSlooten has faced the Bears three times, winning the matchup as a freshman, while scoring 20 points with nine rebounds. Last season, VanSlooten suffered a pair of losses to Cal, missing 19 of her combined 26 shots from the floor in the process as the Cal defense proved formidable.

In an interesting juxtaposition, the 6’3″ VanSlooten plays the four in Michigan State’s scheme with the 6’2″ Ayrault in the post. When Fralick was named coach prior to last season, she approached Ayrault, then listed as a guard, regarding a change of position. Ayrault agreed, and that move may have been the key in the Spartans’ 22-9 record and surprising NCAA Tournament berth.

Ayrault’s father, Andrew, now an assistant coach at his alma mater, Wayne State, likely encouraged his daughter to be open-minded to the position switch. Also, Ayrault, now in her fifth season playing for the Spartans has declared that she’s fully committed to the university, thus her decision to return to school, and not test the waters in the transfer portal.

“Staying the course, believing in a place is important to me,” Ayrault said. “I love Michigan State, I love everything about it, so just being here and loving a place and loving the people… that would be it.”

The Spartans’ fast pace and pressure defense will cause Cal problems. The Bears have been prone to turnovers, and Michigan State creates them and turns them into points. The Spartans have scored at least 95 points in all but one of their games thus far. Offensively, the Spartans attack quickly, but prudently.

“You have to play with pace on both sides of the ball,” Fralick said. “Make sure we hunt good shots. But I tell our team that doesn’t mean we (necessarily) have to shoot fast.”

The Bears and Spartans tip at 11:00 a.m., with the game televised on TruTV.

Sacramento Kings podcast with Barbara Mason: Kings host Spurs at Golden 1; Sac hopes to snap 3 losing streak tonight

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The Brooklyn Nets guard Cam Thomas (24) goes for the layup against the Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray (13) at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento (AP News photo)

On the Sacramento Kings podcast with Barbara Mason:

#1 The Brooklyn Nets (7-10) Cam Thomas led with 34 points that helped cover the win over the Sacramento Kings (8-9) for a 108-103 win at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento.

#2 Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez returned for the first time in Sacramento after being an associate coach under Kings head coach Mike Brown and got to beat his old mentor.

#3 What was amazing in this one in the last two minutes of the game neither the Nets nor the Kings made a field goal and the Kings missed five shots attempts that could have made the difference.

#4 Once again the Kings De’Aaron Fox did the heavy lifting scoring 31 points but couldn’t over shadow the lead that the Nets had throughout the game.

#5 The Kings take on the Oklahoma City Thunder tonight at Golden 1 Center. The Thunder are 12-4 second place in the Western Conference. The Thunder have won six of the last ten games. Barbara can you set this game up for us?

Barbara Mason does the Sacramento Kings podcasts Mondays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Jose Barracuda podcast with Marko Ukalovic: Shootout gets Barracuda win over Marlies at Coca Cola Arena; Cuda open 2 game series with Canucks Fri

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San Jose Barracuda celebrate their win over the Toronto Marlies in a shootout at Coca Cola Arena in Toronto on Sun Nov 24, 2024 (San Jose Barracuda photo)

On the San Jose Barracuda podcast with Marko Ukalovic:

#1 The San Jose Barracuda (10-6-0-0) might have another good goaltender in Gabriel Carriere who stopped 30 shots in what a huge difference defeating one of the AHL’s toughest teams the Toronto Marlies (10-1-2-3) 2-1 in a shootout.

#2 Danil Gushchin scored the Barracuda’s only goal and it was Gushchin to the rescue again scoring the game winner in the shootout.

#3 Carriere showed his talent and stamina turning aside both Marlie shooters that challenged him in the shootout.

#4 San Jose’s Andrew Poturalski scored the game winning goal in the bottom of the second round and the Cuda came away with the split.

#5 Marko, the Barracuda return to Tech CU for a face off with the Abbottsford Canucks (9-8-0-1) at 7:00pm PST. The Canucks are a handful how do you see this series with the Canucks this weekend.

Marko Ukalovic does the Barracuda podcasts Mondays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Brooklyn’s Thomas 34 points beats Kings 108-103; Loss is third in a row for Sac

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The Brooklyn Nets guard Cam Thomas front left charges to the basket against the Sacramento Kings in the first half at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Sun Nov 24, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Kings were back in action on Sunday night. The Kings last played on Friday night in Los Angeles when they faced the Clippers. The Kings lost to the Clippers 104-88. On Sunday, the Kings hoped to avoid falling below .500. They were set to face the Nets at 7 PM PST in Golden 1 Center. The Kings ultimately lost to the Nets 108-103.

In the first quarter, the Kings’ hangover from Friday seemed to continue. They played with a noticeable lack of urgency and were outscored 37-28. Despite entering the game as 11-point favorites, the Kings struggled to generate any offensive rhythm. De’Aaron Fox was a bright spot, scoring 14 points in the quarter.

In the second quarter, the Nets continued to pressure the Kings. The Kings failed to match the Nets’ pace and physicality but showed slight improvement compared to the first quarter. They outscored the Nets 29-28, reducing the deficit by one point. At halftime, the Kings trailed 65-57. De’Aaron Fox was in top form, scoring 24 points in the first half, while Cam Thomas led the Nets with 22 points.

The Kings’ season felt like it was slipping away. Sure, it was still early, but the atmosphere inside Golden 1 Center was one of concern.

In the third quarter, the Kings finally increased their intensity. They delivered a strong defensive performance, holding the Nets to just 23 points. Offensively, the Kings scored 31 points, tying the game at 88 apiece by the end of the quarter.

In the fourth quarter, the Kings needed to step up to avoid a third consecutive loss. Unfortunately, they couldn’t close out the game. The Kings were outscored 20-15, resulting in a 108-103 defeat. It was a frustrating loss for the Kings, and the fans made their displeasure known as the game came to a close.

A restless Golden 1 Center began to empty after Kevin Huerter missed a three-pointer that could have kept the game alive. De’Aaron Fox continued his stellar play with 31 points, while Cam Thomas led all scorers with 34 points.

The Kings fell to 8-9 on the season, while the Nets improved to 7-10.

Up Next: The Kings remain at home to take on the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday at 7 PM PST in Golden 1 Center.

49ers Fall To Packers At Frigid Lambeau 38-10

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It’s a hot potato for San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brandon Allen (17) who fumbles the ball against the Green Bay Packers at frigid Lambeau Field in Green Bay on Sun Nov 24, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The San Francisco 49ers (5-6) played a very important game on Sunday taking on the Green Bay Packers (8-3) losing 38-10 in a blowout. After a tough loss last week to the Seattle Seahawks 20-17 they were looking to get back on track but it went sideways from the start of the game falling behind 10-0 in the first quarter.

The team had to play without quarterback Brock Purdy due to a shoulder injury which was a huge blow for the team. Brandon Allen who stepped in for Purdy finished with 17 of 29, one touchdown and one interception.

Christian McCaffrey rushed for only 31 yards and had 37 receiving yards. It has been said that the season really gets going in earnest in week 11 and so the loss last week and now today’s loss in week 12 was a real disappointment especially since they face the 9-2 Buffalo Bills next week.

The game was playing pretty close in the first half of the opening quarter. Mid-way through the first quarter, the Packers scored the first touchdown of the game taking the early 7-0 lead. Jordan Love connected with Tucker Kraft for 11 yards and the Pack was off and running. They extended their lead to 10-0 with 11 seconds left in the first quarter; a 51 yard Brandon McManus Field Goal.

Both teams scored a touchdown in the second quarter. At 6:33 in the quarter Josh Jacobs rushed for one yard and Green Bay had a 17-0 lead threatening to bust this game wide open. San Francisco fought back and finally got up on the scoreboard with 1:02 left in the first half. Brandon Allen connected with George Kittle for three yards and the score at the half was 17-7 in favor of the Packers.

The 49ers were only able to score three points in the entire second half. Jake Moody kicked a 48 yard field goal but that would be it for San Francisco. Jacobs scored his second rushing touchdown of the day punching it in for one yard and a 24-10 Packer lead. After three, Green Bay was leading by the score of 24-10.

A turning point for San Francisco in the second half could have come down to the 87-yard kickoff return by Deebo Samuel which was called back when Eric Saubert was called for holding. The 49ers had wasted a first-and-goal. It all seemed to go downhill from that point on.

The Packers had a productive fourth quarter with Jacobs scoring his third touchdown of the day, another one for one yard and a 31-10 lead. These three touchdowns would match a career high for Jacobs. They would cap this game off with 4:14 left in the game.

Love connected with Malik Heath for three yards and an insurmountable 38-10 lead. A very poor defensive effort from San Francisco was certainly a big part of the final score.

Allen finished the day going 17-29, with one touchdown, two fumbles and one interception. It was a very disappointing day for McCaffrey who rushed for only 31 yards and 37 receiving yards. George Kittle finished with 82 receiving yards and scored the only San Francisco touchdown of the day.

Game notes: Sunday afternoon the 49ers traveled to Green Bay to take on the Packers at frigid Lambeau Field braving the 42 degree temperature with freezing rains at the game. San Francisco is currently in second place in a tight race with the Rams.

The Phoenix Cardinals were holding down first place with a 6-5 record but fell to the Seattle Seahawks Sunday and so first place is knotted at 6-5 apiece. The bottom line is that the 49ers lost Sunday’s game in this tight NFC West.

This weekend is week 12 and would have been the time for San Francisco to turn things around after some tough losses. This was a tough game for the team losing quarterback Brock Purdy to a shoulder injury which is serious enough to keep him out of this game.

There is the hope that he will be able to bounce back in next week’s game against the Buffalo Bills in week 13. A further blow will be the absence of Nick Bosa and Trent Williams. Sunday’s game was a challenge for San Francisco and the loss was a turning point of their season. For sure it was a huge impact.

Next week the 49ers will face another huge challenge facing Josh Allen and the 9-2 Buffalo Bills. They will also be on the road for this game and the team will need Brock Purdy back at the helm. The status of Purdy, Bosa and WIlliams will be updated in the coming week. Kickoff for this game is scheduled for next Sunday night at 5:20 PM.

Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Rich Perez: Minshew suffers AC Joint injury could be out indefinitely; Raiders can go after after ex-Giant Daniel Jones

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Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew seen here throwing against the Miami Dolphins Sun Nov 17, 2024 in Miami. Minshew suffered a AC Joint injury in the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium on Sun Nov 24, 2024 (AP News photo)

On the Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Rich:

#1 At the end of the second quarter the Raiders (2-9) held a 13-9 lead over the visiting Denver Broncos (7-5) at Allegiant Stadium after kicker Daniel Carlson added a three point field goal at with no time left to end the first half. At that juncture it would appear the Raiders had some confidence going into halftime.

#2 It didn’t last long the Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton caught a 18 yard pass from quarterback Bo Nix to take the lead for good 16-13 at 10:49 in the third quarter it was the only scoring by either team in the third quarter.

#3 The Broncos in the fourth quarter kicker Will Lutz hit a 45 yard field goal at 12:05 and the Broncos went up by six. The Raiders at 8:59 kicker Carlson hit a 53 yard field goal to cut the lead to 19-16. The Broncos scored a touchdown on Courtland Sutton two yard touchdown at 5:30 to increase their lead at 26-16. Carlson at 3:38 came back out and hit a 22 yard field goal Raiders cut the Broncos lead to seven points 26-19. The Broncos Lutz again hit another field goal this one for 33 yards and the Broncos raised their lead to ten points 29-19.

#4 Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew went 25-42 for 230 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Minshew had another outing struggling to score touchdowns in the second half.

#5 The Raiders try it all over again this Fri Nov 29th at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City against the Chiefs. The Chiefs who finally lost a game come into Friday’s contest 10-1 winning their last game against the Carolina Panthers 30-27 on Sunday. How do you see this on with the Chiefs on deck.

Rich Perez podcasts Raiders football after every home and away game at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Cal edges Sac State 83-77 in wild and tougher-than-expected battle for fifth win

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Cal Bears guard Andrej Stojakovic (2) takes the ball up the floor against the Sacramento State Hornets guard Julian Vaughns (24) and guard Emil Skytta (10) at Haas Pavilion in Berkeley on Sun Nov 24, 2024 (Cal Bears X photo)

Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024

Haas Pavilion, Berkeley, California

Sacramento State Hornets 77 (1-4)

California Golden Bears 83 (5-1)

By Stephen Ruderman

BERKELEY–The Bears are now off to a 5-1 start, but it was much tougher for them than anticipated, they battled through a wild game to pull off a 83-77 win over the Sacramento State Hornets at Haas Pavilion.

The Bears returned home from their first road trip to beat the Air Force Falcons Thursday night by a final of 78-69. Today, they welcomed in the Sacramento State Hornets, who came into today’s game at 1-3. The matchup seemed to be an easy one for the 4-1 Bears, but that would hardly be the case.

Cal got off to a fast start, as Christian Tucker hit a three right out of the gate. Emil Skytta was fouled and hit the first of two from the line to put the Hornets on the board, and then Mady Sissoko was fouled and hit both from the line to extend Cal’s lead to 5-1.

The Hornets then scored nine unanswered points to take a 10-5 lead, as Skytta led the way with a pair of layups, and Jacob Holt hit a three. After being fouled and hitting both shots from the line to make it 12-7, Skytta had scored seven of the Hornets’ first 12 points.

The Bears charged right back to score nine unanswered points of their own to go ahead 16-12. Jeremiah Wilkinson, fresh off his 23-point night on Thursday, checked in and hit a jumper and a layup, and Andrej Stojakovic hit all three from the line after he was fouled going for three. Lee Dort then slammed one down.

Joshua Ola-Joseph then hit a pair of threes, and Cal started to pull away, as they went up 27-18. The Bears would make it a 12-point game at 36-24 after a layup by Stojakovic with 4:04 to go, and they seemed to have this game under control.

However, the Hornets came out of nowhere to go on a 9-1 run, and that cut the Bears’ lead to just four at 37-33. Cal got a brief reprieve when Ola-Joseph was fouled going for three and hit all three from the line, and the Bears went into the half up 40-33.

The Hornets kept their momentum going into the second half, as Holt scored seven points in the first two minutes and 34 seconds, and the Hornets came back to tie it at 43-43. The next few minutes would be back and forth with Sac State taking the lead, and the Bears taking it right back.

The Bears would then pull away again, as they opened their lead all the way up to 15 at 73-58 with 5:52 to go. However, Sac State would charge back once again, as they went on a 17-7 run to close the deficit to 80-75 with 28 seconds to go.

The Bears would end up winning it by a final of 83-77. The game was much closer and tougher for the Bears than expected, but a win is a win nevertheless, and they are now off to a 5-1 start.

The Bears will close out the homestand when they take on the Mercyhurst Lakers on Wednesday. Tipoff will be at 7 p.m.

San Jose Barracuda split the series and beat the Toronto Marlies in a shootout 2-1

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Anthony Vincent (76) and Justin Bailey (90) congratulate Andrew Poturalski (22) after shooting the winning shootout goal against the Toronto Marlies at the Coca Cola Coliseum in Toronto on Sun Nov 24, 2024 (Toronto Marlies photo)

By Madison Montez

In his season debut, Gabriel Carriere records his first win making 31 saves on 31 shots and denying both players in the shootout. The San Jose Barracuda split the two game series with the Toronto Marlies. The Barracuda taking the second game on Sunday 2-1 in a shootout at Coca Cola Arena in Toronto.

San Jose was the first to go on the powerplay at 8:51 of the 1st after Roni Hirvonen took a holding penalty but couldn’t take advantage. Toronto then got their powerplay opportunity when Lucas Vanroboys took a seat for tripping. John McCarthy’s key to the game today was to get pucks to the net and the Barracuda did so outshooting Toronto 6-3 although being scoreless after the 1st.

The Barracuda went on the penalty kill early 37 seconds in when Ethan Cardwell took a tripping penalty. Toronto couldn’t take advantage of that and went on the penalty kill two minutes later when Robert Mastrosimone took a tripping penalty. With nine seconds left, Sam Stevens opens up the scoring in back to back games to give Toronto the lead. Toronto outshot San Jose 13-8 in the second so there’s no doubt one of those would go in.

seven seconds into the Barracuda’s fifth powerplay, Danil Guschin scored his third goal of the season tying the game at 1-1 in the third assisted by Luca Cagnoni and Filip Bystedt.

Regulation and overtime wasn’t enough and the game went to a shootout. First to shoot for the Marlies was Braeden Kressler who was denied. The Barracuda called upon Danil Guschin and he scored. The Marlies then sent out Logan Shaw who was also denied. With the opportunity to win it for the Barracuda, John McCarthy called upon Alternate Captain Andrew Poturalski who scored on a backhand shot.

THREE STARS OF THE GAME:

  1. Gabriel Carriere: 31 SVs on 31 SOs
  2. Danil Guschin: 2 G’s
  3. Matt Murray: 27 SVs on 26 SOs

The San Jose Barracuda will be back at home on the 29th for a 2 game series against the Abbotsford Canucks. The last time these 2 teams faced off was on February 24th where the Barracuda fell 5-2 with Magnus Chrona recording the loss.

Cal Bears podcast with Stephen Ruderman: Cal stays ahead of Sac State with six point win 83-77 at Haas Pavilion

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Cal Bears Ryti Petraitis forward (31) and guard Andrej Stojakovic (2) exchanges high fives during their game against the Sacramento State Hornets at Haas Pavilion on Sun Nov 24, 2024 (Cal Bears X photo)

On the Cal Bears podcast with Stephen Ruderman:

#1 The Cal Bears (5-1) and the Sacramento Hornets (1-4) played some tight basketball at Haas Pavilion. Although the Bears had led for most of the game and came away with a 83-77.

# 2 Cal leading scorer Ryti Petraitis had the right touch on the ball making his shots and leading Cal in scoring Andrej Stojakovic with 20 points to defeat the Sacramento State Hornets.

#3 Cal has won five of their last six games and won three in a row and having the home floor the Bears heard the Hornets footsteps behind them in earlier parts of this game.

#4 The Hornets leading scorers Julian Vaughns and Jacob Holt were keeping Sac State in the game but Cal were able to do enough to keep the Hornets away with a ten point gap.

#5 Next game for the Golden Bears is against the Mercyhurst Lakers (4-3). The Lakers were crushed today by the Air Force Falcons (2-4) 82-48. The Bears should have a shot at getting this one Wednesday night at Haas Pavilion.

Stephen Ruderman is the Cal Bears MBB beat writer at http://www.sportsradioservice.com and wherever you get you podcasts

Headline Sports podcast with Charlie O: 49ers Purdy out of action against Green Bay sore throwing shoulder; Raiders Crosby fined twice by NFL; plus more news

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) is all wrapped up by Seattle Seahawks linebacker Boye Mafe (53) at Levi Stadium in Santa Clara on Sun Nov 17, 2024 (AP News photo)

Headline Sports podcast with Charlie O:

#1 San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy is a scratch for today’s game in Green Bay as he is suffering a shoulder injury on throwing side. Purdy will miss his first game in three seasons as starting quarterback for the 49ers and didn’t miss a start when he was a quarterback in college.

#2 Las Vegas Raiders pass rusher Maxx Crosby who did not get a sack for the third straight week. To make matters worse Crosby was fined by the league for unsportsmanship like conduct and unnecessary roughness. Maxx was charged with kneeing, striking, and kicking Miami Dolphin players,.

#3 New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones requested a trade after being the starting quarterback after nine seasons. Jones is in a four year $160 million contract and has not performed at the level the Giants would expect: In ten games for the Giants Jones has completed 63% of his passes for 2970 yards, eight touchdowns and seven interceptions.

#4 Charlie turning to baseball news, former San Francisco Giants bench coach Aylssa Nakken has left the Giants to become an assistant for player development for the Cleveland Guardians. Nakken was the first female coach in Major League Baseball history on Arp 12, 2022. Former Giants manager Gabe Kapler brought her on board as a coach and she was a huge inspiration for girls and women softball and baseball players alike. Nakken will join former Giant coaches Craig Albernaz and Kai Correa. Albernaz is associate manager and Correa is a field coordinator. Former Giants catcher Stephen Vogt who is the Cleveland Guardians was mainly responsible for bringing Nakken on board.

#5 The MLB Baseball Writers Association of America have voted Shohei Ohtani the National League MVP and Aaron Judge the American League MVP. Ohtani win the MVP Award for the third straight time. Judge led MLB hitters with 58 home runs, 144 RBIs, 133 walks, and hit .322. Both Ohtani and Judge were in the 2024 World Series.

Join Charlie O for Headline Sports podcasts Sundays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com