Tag: ACC

Cal Berkeley Golden Bears Football Media Day: Bears head coach Lupoi meets the press

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Cal Berkeley’s football head coach Tosh Lupoi at the podium, discussing expectations for the upcoming Golden Bears football season at California Memorial Stadium on Tuesday, August 4th, 2026, in Berkeley, California. (Photo credit Michael Villanueva-SRS)

By Michael Villanueva

BERKELEY – “Give me a C!, C!, give me a A!, A!, give me a L!, L!, what’s that spell? CAL!” On a nice Tuesday afternoon, the University of California, Berkeley welcomed everyone back to the California Memorial Stadium for the football team’s Media Day. The school revealed some new eateries coming to the season, head coach Tosh Lupoi shared some insight on himself and the team, and brought out players to talk and discuss the upcoming season and expectations.

The season starts one month from today. The Golden Bears are getting ready for their camp, staying sharp on their academics, and embracing the new culture from their former defensive coordinator to their new head coach, Tosh Lupoi. Coach Lupoi and the players came into their media day, practically ready and wanting the season to start now.

With Cal bringing in new players from the portal, this year is the most players the team got from the portal (38 players). It was only right that the Golden Bears bring in new eateries for their fans and all who come to their games. Starting the eateries, the Golden Bears introduced their new ‘OG Salt and Pepper Smoked Brisket with house-made sweet & spicy pickles’. They also showed and debuted their new vegetarian item, the Edamame Dumplings. Fans can grab these items at the stadium and cheer on their Bears as they fight for the win.

After that, Cal Berkeley brought out head coach Tosh Lupoi to the podium for his press conference. Coach Lupoi remained resilient and fired up for the season. He talked about how he prepares his players to become the best version of themselves, whether that’s being a player or just themselves. He also talked about his old defensive coordinator mentality and transferring that to the head coach role.

“To win every battle that is approaching and present,” said head coach Tosh Lupoi. Coach Lupoi would later on and explain how he wants his players to stay focused in every circumstance. Through the ups and downs of Cal football history. He wants his players to always be in the moment and to come out victorious. He understands the struggles and circumstances that will come with it being his first year as a head coach at Cal.

Coach Lupoi’s impact on Cal has already played a big factor. Especially when it came to the players in the portal choosing Cal to continue their education and play football. “Coach Lupoi’s legacy and what he brings to the table is why I chose Cal,” said linebacker Solomon Williams. Williams had spent two seasons at Texas A&M before choosing Cal to play at in the portal.

The players are getting ready to head to the camp. Some of the players are already wanting to suit up and play for Cal. “I’m excited to play week 1 because that’s what sets the tone and our expectations, especially getting the win… getting the win would most definitely set everything in the right direction,” said linebacker Jayden Wayne. So with that, it’s safe to say that Cal football is back and ready to get California Memorial Stadium rocking again.

The California Golden Bears will start off the season in week 1 hosting a familiar school, the UCLA Bruins. The Golden Bears and the Bruins share a long history, especially since these two schools used to be in the same conference, the Pac-12. A “Battle of the West Coast California” will start off the season for coach Lupoi and the Bears. Last year Cal went 7-6, and with new leadership, players, and mentality. This year’s squad looks ready and determined to put up a better record. This game will be on Saturday, September 5th, right back here in the stadium at 7:30 p.m. The game will be broadcast on ESPN.

Golden Bears Tame the UIC Flames in their Return to the NIT in 9 years, 91-73

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California Golden Bear forward (#22) Chris Bell shots a midrange jumper in the 1st half of an NIT 1st Round Game in the New Mexico Bracket Region at Berkeley in Haas Pavilion on March 18th, 2026. (Photo Credits to Michael Villanueva)

By Michael Villanueva

BERKELEY – The Golden Bears aren’t done! Cal’s regular season might’ve ended, but something bigger, exciting, and thrilling has come to their home, postseason action! Berkeley was invited to play in the National Invitational Tournament (NIT) and is being identified as one of the four power conference teams in this tournament. They hosted the University of Illinois Chicago Flames at the Haas Pavilion at 8 p.m. Not only was the sun shining on the Bears this spring, but also to the flames. As this was the Golden Bears 10th appearance in the NIT, with their last appearance being 9 years. While this was the Flames 2nd ever appearance in this tournament dating back to their first time in 23 years (2003). This first round action was intense, going back and fourth, making each possession count, but with homecourt advantage here in Berkeley. The Golden Bears would win the one in the first round, 91-73

After losing their last two games, the Bears were given a chance to continue their basketball season in the NIT. Their most recent loss was back in the ACC Tournament on March 11th, 2026 against Florida State, 95-89. Before that they lost also on March 7th, 2026 at Wake Forest, 80-73. A rocky ending the Bears didn’t wanna go through, but due to their impressive season history and having standout wins against certain schools. The Golden Bears were gifted with postseason play in the spring. A chance for the Bears to truly make this season a memorable and winning one. Although, In a 10 game span, the Golden Bears went 5-5. They came back home Wednesday

The Golden Bears went with Chris Bell, Justin Pippen, Dai Dai Ames, John Camden, Lee Dort as their starting five. Dai Dai Ames and Justin Pippen were named All-ACC, with their respective choices to the All-ACC Third Team and All-ACC Honorable Mention,. Cal’s first 20-win season since 2016–17 and its No. 9 seed in last week’s ACC Tournament are largely due to the two Bear guards. Haas Pavilion has been proven to be one of toughest for visitors to play as this squad went 16-4 in their home.

Five schools from the Missouri Valley Conference are competing in the postseason, including UIC. A record-breaking four MVC teams—UIC, Bradley, Illinois State, and Murray State—as well as NCAA qualifying UNI qualified for this year’s NIT play. So with that the Flames started with Elijah Crawford, Rashund Washington Jr., Abdul Momoh, Andy Johnson, and Mekhi Lowery.

Chris Bell hits a corner three-pointer to get this 1st round of an NIT game started here in Berkeley. However the Flames brought the physical play and toughness to them while they tried getting the bear’s out of their game. In the first 5 minutes of play, UCI holds the lead, 13-6, making the Bears give up 4 turnovers already and putting them in a 3 minute scoring drought. A shaky start for the home team while the visiting team goes on a 9-0 scoring run.

Cal guard Dejuan Campbell hits two back-to-back three pointers, giving Cal some scoring relief and go on a 6-0 scoring run. However UIC defense came to play as they force two turnovers on Cal. It took almost the whole 1st half for the Bears to lock in and get serious at the game. Big plays were made by both teams, going back and fourth in the 1st. However Cal would make 5 out of their 7 shot attempts and give them the lead at half, 39-35.

Both of these schools are shooting exactly at 50% at the end of the 1st. UIC would hold the lead for 16 minutes in the 1st half. The Flames really wanted to set a tone in the 1st half, and for the most part they did. However the Bears were able to pull through and create some turnovers on UIC. Giving a big momentum switch to Cal. at the end of the 1st half.

However the Flames would show out in the beginning of the second half and make their first 4 straight shots, going on a 6-0 scoring run and giving them back the lead, 43-41. Just right after their 4th shot, Cal Golden Bear Chris Bell gets fouled shooting a three pointer and gets sent to the line and makes all three of his shots. Then right after in their next possession, he would hit another three pointer. Giving Cal an extended lead, 47-43.

The Bears shooting came out as the team would go on another 6-0 scoring run, by hitting back-to-back three pointers. 6 minutes already into the game and Cal has made 4 big time three pointers that were vital for them in this game. As the shots kept coming down for Cal, out of their last 5 three point shot attempts, they’ve made 4 of them. So it was full throttle for UIC to get back in this game. They were able to make 6 out of their last 8 shot attempts to bring them back within 6 points, 68-62. UIC would also dominate in the paint as they scored 42 points down there compared to Cal’s 18 points in the paint.

Entering the last 6 minutes of the game, Cal would see it’s largest lead against UIC with 13 points, 77-64. This was due to the Bears making all of their last 5 shooting attempts. With their hot shooting, the Bears would ultimately seal the game. Cal would go on to make 9 three-pointers in the half compared to them making 6 three-pointers in the 1st half. The Bears prove they can shoot the ball well in their home court. Especially to Cal forward Chris Bell who went off and went 7-8 on three-pointers. His efforts and hot shooting was a big factor for the Bears first NIT win in 12 years (2014). Chris Bell would also get a career high with 31 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 assist. Bears also would go and score 52 points in the second half.

California Golden Bears will have a possible chance to host two more rounds of NIT play in the Haas Pavilion. Since they were able to win the first round game and move on to the second round. They’re next matchup will be the Saint Joseph Hawks as they took down Colorado State 69-64, in the New Mexico Bracket. The game will be on Sunday March 22nd, 2026 in Berkeley right back in the Haas Pavilion.

Stanford Cardinal podcast Michael Roberson: Okorie, Gealer, and Rohosy put out great effort, Stanford falls short to Pitt

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Stanford Cardinal Benny Gealer (5) takes the ball up the floor against the Pitt Panthers at the ACC Tournament in Charlotte NC on Tue Mar 10, 2026 (Stanford Cardinal photo)

Stanford Cardinal podcast Michael Roberson:

#1  The 15th seeded Pittsburgh Panthers (13-19) Demarco Minor made up for a previous missed shot and scored the game winning basket with just 0.7 seconds left in the game to give Pitt a 64-63 win over the tenth seeded Stanford Cardinal (20-12) at the ACC Tournament in Tuesday’s opening game.

#2 Minor had troubles earlier in the game converting shots missing all seven of his three point shots and going 2-10 in shooting. But it will be that game winning shot with less than a second left that he’ll remember.

#3 Stanford Cardinal sensation Ebuka Okorie dropped a three point shot with 26.2 seconds left in the ball game after Minor missed his three point shot but on a loose ball the Panther recovered and Minor missed a jumper but got the game winner.

#4 Tough loss for Stanford after a hard effort on the floor from Okorie who led with 14 points, followed up by Benny Gealer with 11 points and AJ Rohosy finishing third with 10 points.

#5 The Cardinal wait to see where they play next in the post season but as far as they’re NCAA hopes for March Madness it looks as if it’s over for Stanford.

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

Stanford Cardinal podcast Michael Roberson: Stanford gets the edge over NC State 85-84 Saturday

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Stanford Cardinal guard Ebuka Okorie (1) gets some reach over the NC State Wolfpack’s forward Van Allen Lubin (22) at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh NC on Sat Mar 7, 2026 (Stanford Cardinal photo)

Stanford Cardinal podcast Michael Roberson:

#1 How did Ebuka Okorie’s 33-point performance influence Stanford’s 85–84 victory over NC State on March 7, 2026?

#2 What role did Jaylen Thompson play during Stanford’s late-game run against NC State, and how did his contributions help secure the win?

#3 How did AJ Rohosy contribute offensively and on the boards for Stanford in the matchup with NC State?

#4 In what ways did Jeremy Dent-Smith impact the final moments of the game, particularly with his defensive play and clutch free throws?

#5 How did teammates like Donavin Young and Ryan Agarwal support Stanford’s scoring and rebounding effort against NC State?

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

Pittsburg Stuns California on their Senior Day and Home finale, 72-56!!

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California Golden Bear (#7) guard Dai Dai Ames shoots a corner three-pointer over Pittsburg Panther (#8) guard Omari Witherspoon on February 28th, 2026, in Berkeley, California, at the Haas Pavilion. (Photo credits to Michael Villanueva)

By Michael Villanueva

BERKELEY – California played its last home game of the season on Saturday afternoon, hosting the Pittsburg Panthers on the Golden Bears’ Senior Day. A goodbye to their seniors, the fans who always came to the games, and to the “Haas of Pain.” This game is potentially a big one for Cal, as a win could solidify their chances of making it to the NCAA March Madness tournament. This game also meant a lot to Pittsburg as their fighting for the last seed in their conference tournament. So with that, both teams came out fighting, but the Panthers would be able to endure the “Haas of Pain” and win the game by 16 points, 72-56.

The last time the Panthers and the Golden Bears ran into each other was on January 1st, 2025, in Pittsburg. The game would go to the Panthers, 86-74. The all-time series between these two schools is 2-2, so a win today will give the lead to either of them. California entered this game riding a three-game winning streak; their most recent win was three days ago against SMU, 73-69. However, the Golden Bears aren’t too golden as they lost the last two recent matchups to Pittsburg in a row. After todays game, California would now have dropped the last 3 games in a row to Pittsburgh.

California started with a familiar lineup we’ve all seen. The Golden Bears went with guards Justin Pippen, Dai Dai Ames, and forwards John Camden, Chris Bell, and Lee Dort. Lee Dort was out on injury for seven games, but made his return in the Bears’ last game against the SMU Mustangs. California honored seven graduating Bears before the game in a Senior Day ceremony. The graduating Bears were DeJuan Campbell, John Camden, Milos Ilic, Nolan Dorsey, Chris Bell, Rytis Petraitis, and Lee Dort.

The Panthers came into the Pavilion with forwards Roman Siulepa, Cameron Corhen, and guards Omari Witherspoon, Damarco Minor, and Barry Dunning Jr. Pittsburg senior Cameron Corhen has been on a run lately, averaging 19.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 4 assists in their last three games. They also sit on a three-way tie with Notre Dame and Boston College for the last spot in the upcoming ACC Tournament.

With the crowd on their feet and ready to cheer on the Bears. Pittsburgh Panthers guard Damarco Minor would hit a three-pointer, followed right up by a fastbreak dunk. This quick 5-0 scoring run would quite the fans for now. Eventually, Lee Dort would get the Bears on the board with a quick layup inside the paint.

In the first 10 minutes of play, Cal was having a rough start in the afternoon with already having 6 turnovers. While Pittsburg just had 1 turnover, and was shooting well on the court to back up their lead. The Panthers were shooting 43% while the Bears were at a low 37%. The score was 7-14, but Bear Dejuan Campbell scored 5 points by himself in 5 minutes to bring the score to 12-14.

Guard Dejuan Campbell’s impact in the 1st half sparked the Golden Bears to lock in and focus on the team’s last home game. The Bears would finish the first half with 12 turnovers, and gave up 14 points in those turnovers. However, the Bears’ shooting brought them closer. As they never had the lead at all during the game, but that would change in the 2nd half.

At halftime, the Golden Bears were down to the Panthers 34-26. Dejuan would lead the Bears with 8 points in his 9 minutes of playing time. His impact and presence on the court was a big factor for the Bears to come back and win this game. His ability to be ready at all times and at anytime proves how valuable their bench is. The Bears’ bench would go and put up 12 points in the 1st half.

The Panthers again would get the half going off another three-pointer from Damarco Minor. Then Golden Bear forward Chris Bell would get a three-pointer to fall right after Minor’s shot. Cal is entering this half playing catch-up to Pittsburgh. With 10 minutes into play, nothing much has changed. The Bears would be able to hit some shots, then eventually go on multiple scoring droughts. Which was really slowing down their comeback. The score is now 52-44, Panthers hold a 8 point lead.

With 4 minutes left, the Bears are starting to run out, and safe to say Dai Dai Ames is on it. Ames drives to the paint for a layup, getting fouled, and knocking down his free throw for a three-point play. His efforts, trying to somehow get the Bears going and the crowd back in the game wasn’t enough. Especially the Panthers going on a 7-0 scoring run right after that. Pushing Pittsburgh’s lead to 14 points in this timeframe.

Although the results weren’t what the Bears and their fans were expecting. The graduating bears and players put on one last show in their home. They were lead by Dai Dai Ames with 11 points and 2 rebounds. On the other side of the bench, Pittsburgh Panthers forward Barry Dunning Jr would put up a double-double in Berkeley’s home finale.

The California Golden Bears have two more games left in the season, but will be on the road. Their first stop will be against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets on March 4th, then they will end their season against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons on March 7th. These last few games will project the Golden Bears’ chances for the NCAA March Madness tournament and their seeding placement in the ACC Tournament.

Stanford Cardinal podcast Michael Roberson: Okorie can’t be stopped tops scorers with 34 in Stanford’s 75-67 win over Pitt

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Stanford Cardinal Ebuka Okorie (1)gets the throw down against the Pitt Panthers at Maples Pavilion in Palo Alto on Wed Feb 25, 2026 (Stanford Cardinal X photo)

Stanford Cardinal podcast Michael Roberson:

#1 Pitt’s defense had trouble handling Stanford’s leading scorer Ebuka Okorie (G) and his playmaking throughout the game?

#2 Which Stanford role players — such as Ebuka Okorie, Benny Gealer, Jeremy Dent-Smith and AJ Rohosy — made the biggest impact, and in what ways?

#3 What adjustments did Pitt need to make after Stanford’s early offensive runs, and were they effective later in the game?

#4 How did the performance of Stanford’s bench players Ryan Agarwal, Aidan Cammann, Oskar Giltay, Cameron Grant influence the flow of the final minutes?

#5 What were the key matchups — such as Pitt’s best rebounders vs. Stanford’s interior players like Rohosy — that determined control of the paint?

#6 Stanford hosts the SMU Mustangs who lost Wednesday to the Cal Bears and dropped their overall record 19-9. The Mustangs will be going into this game with a vengence do you see this being a tight game this Sat Feb 28th with a 3:00pm tip at Maples Pavilion.

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

Cal Bears podcast Michael Villanueva: Cal picks up 20th win and third straight win over SMU

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Cal Bears guard Justin Pippin (10) takes a jump shot against the SMU Mustangs at Haas Pavilion in Berkeley on Wed Feb 25, 2026 (photo by Michael Villanueva-Sports Radio Service)

Cal Bears podcast Michael Villanueva:

#1 Michael a real nailbiter right down to the end and the Cal Bears Justin Pippin put the final touches with two free throws that keyed it for Cal with 12 second left in the game to give Cal a 72-69 lead and the win.

#2 SMU Mustangs came in the challenger with the same identicial record as Cal at 19-8 but it was the Bears who stayed ahead of the Mustangs for most of the game to come away with a three point win.

#3 Pippin who got those two final free throws also led Cal in socring with 24 points the Mustangs just couldn’t contain him on defense.

#4 Michael, the Bears Chris Bell followed finishing second in scoring with 20 points Bell was also intrumental coming away with Cal’s 20th win on the 25-26 campaign.

#5 Next up for Cal the Pitt Panthers who got beat by Stanfordo on Wednesday night 75-67 at Stanford. The Panthers are now 10-18 a struggling bunch who come to Haas Pavilion on Saturday for a 1:00pm matinee. Cal is on a roll they have won three in a row as Cal head coach Mark Madson picks up his first career win against SMU.

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

Cal Bears Win 3 in a Row, as they Beat SMU Mustangs, 73-69

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California Golden Bear forward (#2) John Camden drives to the basket for the slam against SMU Mustangs in the Haas Pavilion on February 25th, 2026, at Berkeley, California. (Photo credits to Michael Villanueva)

By Michael Villanueva

BERKELEY – The California Golden Bears hosted the SMU Mustangs on Wednesday night at Haas Pavilion, four days after the Bears’ big win over their school rival, Stanford last Saturday. The final score of that game was 72-66, so the Golden Bears were ready to stay golden on their home court.

Cal did exactly that as they beat the SMU Mustangs, 73-69 on Wednesday night, Bears forward Chris Bell scored his third straight 20 points or more game this season doing it in 22 games.

The last time the Mustangs and the Bears faced off was on February 26th, 2025, in Berkeley as the Mustangs got the win, 81-77. For California head coach Mark Madsen he was looking for his first win against SMU. As the Bears trail in the all-time series with the Mustangs, 1-4, noting that Cal has lost the last four in a row to SMU. However, things can change in a year, and all that would change Wedneday as the Bears were able to defeat the Mustangs.

Over the last ten games, both schools went 6-4 and are right on each other’s tail as the season gets closer to its end. Prior to the game Cal was sitting in ninth place while the Mustangs were ahead of them in eighth place. So both schools came into Haas Pavilion determined to win and help their school rank as high as possible before the Men’s ACC basketball tournament, which starts on March 10th through the 14th.

Cal started with Dai Dai Ames, Justin Pippen, John Camden, Bell, and Milos Ilic. Ames is averaging 17.1 points and shooting 47.2%. Over the past ten games, Camden has made 3.3 3-pointers on average. Camden is also top-25 in the nation on his 3-point shooting percentage at 42.4%, along with Pippen being in the top-75 in the nation in steals at 1.84 per game.

For the Mustangs, Kevin Miller averages 18.7 points, 6.9 assists, and 1.8 steals. Over the past ten games, Jaron Pierre Jr. has averaged 18.2 points. The Mustangs’ starting five were B.J. Edwards, Boopie Miller, Corey Washington, Samet Yigitglu, and Jaron Pierre Jr. This is SMU’s only meeting with Berkeley this season.

Camden got the balling going with a jumper, followed by back to back three pointers from Bell. Bell’s last home game four days ago he dropped 20 points against Stanford.

After the first five minutes of play, the score was 13-9, and the Bears led over the Mustangs due to Bell’s hot start. Altogether, Cal has already made five 3 three pointers. Cal is shooting above 50% in all categories while the Mustangs are shooting below 44%. Also, for two minutes, the Mustangs went scoreless, which helped the Bears hold the lead.

Ten minutes into play Bell made a strong cut to the basket on the baseline for a layup, forcing SMU coach Andy Enfield to call a timeout. The Bears increased their lead by seven, the score is now 20-13. Again, the Mustangs found themselves in another scoring drought for two minutes and a half minutes, so the Bears kept taking advantage and taking it to them. Bell at 13 points, led the team early in this game.

At half, the Bears held onto the lead, 38-33. However, it got physical and chippy between the two clubs. Both teams are were shooting, playing, and statistically in the same play pool as each other. Bell is leading the Bears still, but with 15 points, two rebounds, and one assist. Cal is playing cautious and smart with the ball as they know the Mustangs thrive on turnovers, so they have limited their turnovers with just four in the first half, while the Mustangs had six turnovers.

Coming back from their lockers, Pippen hit a midrange jumper to break the ice and in the second half is when SMU got things going. Cal had gone through a scoring drought for three minutes. During that drought, the Mustangs fought their way back, going on a 7-0 scoring run. With 13 minutes remaining in the game, the Mustangs got their first lead of the night at 46-45. Pippen was able to record his 23rd double-digit point in 26 games.

In the final ten minutes, Cal’s shooting took a wrong turn, like in the final half. The Bears were able to just make two three pointers compared to their five in the first half.

Camden was able to get a bucket to make it a total of three, and give the Bears back the lead at 53-50. Cal and SMU continue to go at it and exchange buckets against each other. SMU made a three, but Cal came right down the court to hit a three and get their fans back into the game.

In the final two minutes of the game, SMU forward Corey Washington scored seven points on his own to give the Mustangs back the lead at 65-64. Pippen would hit a midrange jumper to get the lead back to put the Bears in front 68-67.

Then, later, after SMU couldn’t get a basket, Pippen smartly drew a foul to send him to the free-throw line. He would make both of them and push the lead by three points, 70-67. Cal would end up finishing and taking home the win.

Cal went onto another win on their home floor, as they and SMU switch places in the ACC standings. Cal picking up their 20th win and SMU taking their tenth loss.

The Golden Bears are now in eighth place while the Mustangs move down to the ninth seed. This win was also Cal head coach Mark Madsen’s first career win against SMU as Cal now jumps to three straight wins in a row.

The Bears will return right back in the Haas Pavilion on Saturday, Feb. 28th, 2026, at 1 p.m for Senior Day. Cal will host the Pittsburgh Panthers and hopefully look to take the lead in the all-time series lead which currently stands at 2-2. Pittsburgh has won the last two meetings over Cal.

Stanford Cardinal game wrap: Cardinal held the Panthers at bay 75-67, inside Maples Pavilion; Okorie 34

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Stanford Cardinal Ebuka Okorie (1) drives on Pitt Panthers guard DeMarco Minor (7) at Maples Pavilion in Palo Alto on Wed Feb 25, 2026 (Stanford Cardinal photo)

By Michael Roberson

STANFORD, Calif. — Freshman Phenom Ebuka Okorie’s 34 points led his Stanford Cardinal 17-11. 6-9 ACC) to a hard fought victory over the Pittsburgh Panthers (10-18, 3-12 ACC) 75-67, in Atlantic Coast Conference action, on a Wednesday Afternoon on the Farm.

The visiting cats from the Steel City got the conference contest started with the first four points of the game, before Stanford could even activate the scoreboard.  Although the Panthers would be in the lead for more than 17 minutes, there was a very competitive exchange of being in front by both teams.  Eight lead changes took place within the first 20 minutes of the game, and only one time tied.

Pitt led by as many as seven points, while Stanford could only get in front by one point.  The Panthers shot %6% from the floor, and 38% from Three.  They shot a respectable 75% from the free throw line.  Stanford, on the other hand, was 48% from the floor, 57% beyond the arc, and perfect from the “charity stripe.”

With all the excitement and back and forth scoring, the felines from the Quaker State were able to hold on to a two-point lead at recess, 34-32.  Both teams had one player to reach double-figures in scoring.  Benny Gealer topped the Cardinal, with 10 points, while senior forward Cameron Corhen led the Panthers with 14 points and six rebounds.

In the second half, Stanford scored the first points, on Okorie free throws.  There would be more see/saw action in the final 20-minute block.  There were four more ties and seven more lead changes.  The Cardinal got out in front by as many as eight points late in the the half, and that was the final margin at the final horn.

However, before that was the outcome, Stanford had to withstand an 11-0 run by the Panthers.  They were able to perform an 11-1 run of their own to put them back in the driver’s seat.  During this frenetic stretch, Okorie exploded for 28 second half points, willing his team to victory.

Stanford managed to shoot at a higher clip from the field, and remained perfect from the free throw line.  Whereas, the Panthers shot significantly worse in the second stanza, as well as from the freebee zone.  The Cardinal’s defense can take some credit for those dismal numbers.

When the 40 minutes of gametime elapsed, the Cardinal responded from their previous loss and pulled out a gutsy victory at home by eight points, 75-67.

Okorie led all scorers with 34 points, six assists and six rebounds.  The aforementioned Gealer gave his team 12 points, while Aidan Cammann added 11.  Cameron Corhen topped the Panthers with 22 points, eight rebounds and four assists.  Barry Dunning  Jr. offered 19 points and five rebounds. and Nojus Indrusaitis put up 10 points for the cause.

Stanford will next be in action Saturday, February 28 inside Maples on Senior Day, hosting the SMU Mustangs at 3 PM PT on the ACC Network.  the Panthers traverse across the Bay to Berkeley to face Cal on the same date at 1 PM PT on the same network.

Stanford Cardinal podcast Michael Roberson: Stanford can’t win on Cal’s floor in 72-66 loss

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Stanford Cardinal guard Ebuka Okorie sits on the Stanford bench during warm ups before their game against the Cal Bears at Cal Berkeley on Sat Feb 21, 2026 (Stanford Cardinal X photo)

Stanford Cardinal podcast Michael Roberson:

#1 How will freshman guard Ebuka Okorie’s scoring ability (averaging ~22.5 points per game) impact Stanford’s offensive strategy against Cal?

#2 What adjustments can Stanford make to support Okorie if teammates like Benny Gealer or Aidan Cammann struggle offensively?

#3 How might Stanford’s defense try to contain Cal’s balanced attack after personnel like Chris Bell and John Camden had big outputs in their last matchup?

#4 What role could Stanford forward AJ Rohosy play on the boards against Cal’s big men and how critical could his rebounding be?

#5 Can players such as Jeremy Dent-Smith step up in key moments to complement Okorie’s offense and shift the momentum in Stanford’s favor?

Michael Roberson filled in for Daniel Dullum on the Stanford Cardinal podcast at http://www.sportsradioservice.com