Tag: ACC

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

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

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

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

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

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

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

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

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

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

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

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

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.