Tag: Cal Bears

Golden Bears upend Seminoles 77-68 for ACC victory

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Cal Bears forward Joshua Ola-Joseph (1) looks astonished with forward Lee Dort (34) in the background as Cal defeated the Florida State Seminoles at Haas Pavilion on Wed Jan 22, 2025 (Cal Bears X photo)

By Daniel Dullum

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

California used the offensive efforts of Jeremiah Wilkinson, Rytis Petraitis and Mady Sissoko to upend Florida State 77-68 in Atlantic Coast Conference men’s basketball Wednesday at Haas Pavilion.

Wilkinson scored 18 points for the Golden Bears (10-9 overall, 3-5 ACC) while Sissoko and Petraitis each registered a double-double. Sissoko had 14 points and 13 rebounds, while Petraitis finished with 12 points and 13 boards. Joshua Ola-Joseph scored 14 points and DJ Campbell chipped in with ten points.

Sissoko’s dunk put Cal up 69-59 with three minutes to play. Then Daquan Davis and Jamie Watkins scored inside to pull the Seminoles (13-6 overall, 4-4 ACC) to within six with 1:20 remaining. Cal maintained its lead by going 8-for-8 at the free throw line.

Earlier in the second half, Jerry Deng’s dunk gave Florida State a 51-49 lead at the 12-minute mark. But the Seminoles went cold, missing 11 consecutive shots while being held to eight points in a nine-minute stretch.

While FSU struggled, the Golden Bears scored 18 points, building a 57-55 lead with 4:30 to play.

Watkins led the Seminoles with 18 points, Malique Ewin contributed 16 points and 10 rebounds, and Deng finished with 11 points.

While FSU visits Stanford on Saturday, Cal hosts Miami (Fla.), also on Saturday.

Stanford Cardinal podcast with Michael Roberson: Stanford loses control of game late to Wake Forest

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Stanford Cardinal forward from left to right forward Maxime Raynaud (42), guard Jaylen Blakes (21), guard Oziyah Sellers (4) are out on the floor to battle the Wake Forest Deacon Demons at the LVJM Coliseum in Winston-Salem North Carolina on Wed Jan 15, 2025 (Stanford Cardinal photo)

On the Stanford Cardinal podcast with Michael Roberson:

#1 The Stanford Cardinal opened up their second road trip in ACC competition against the Wake Forest Deacon Deamons at Lawrence Joel Veteran Memorial Coliseum with a 80-67 loss. The Cardinal now drop their record to 11-6 and are 3-3 in the ACC.

#2 Oziyah Sellers led Stanford in scoring with 16 points and Jaylen Blakes scored 15 points, seven assists. The Cardinal Maxime Raynaud and Ryan Agarwal had 14 points each. Raynaud was able to rebound 11 times and is first in the NCAA with double doubles.

#3 What a year Raynaud is having he now has 1265 in career points which moves him up on the list surpassing Don Griffin of 1969 and Anthony Goods of 2009. Raynaud tied Chris Hernandez of 2006 tying him for 29th on the all time Stanford list.

#4 The Cardinal are now 1-1 against the Deacon Demons in their second meeting in school history. The last time they met in 1997 Stanford defeated Wake Forest in their first ever meeting.

#5 Stanford now heads to UNC to take on the North Carolina Tar Heels. UNC is 12-6 and are coming off a win over the Cal Bears on Wednesday night 79-53. UNC is on a four game win streak and tip off against Stanford Sat Jan 18 at 11:15 am PST. Michael how do you see this game?

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

Golden Bears down Virginia 75-61 for first ACC win

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Cal Bears forward Joshua Ola-Joseph (1) throws down on the Virginia Cavaliers at Haas Pavilion in Berkeley on Wed Jan 8, 2025 (Cal Bears X photo)

By Daniel Dullum

Wednesday, January 8, 2025

California came up with its first Atlantic Coast Conference men’s basketball victory of the season Wednesday at Haas Pavilion, as the Golden Bears defeated Virginia 75-61.

After the Bears’ win, Cal (8-7 overall, 1-3 ACC) and Virginia (*-7 overall, 1-3 ACC) are tied for 13th place in the conference race.

Andrej Stojakovic topped the scoring column for the Golden Bears, popping in a game-high 23 points on 6 of 11 field goals and 11 of 13 at the fee throw line. It was the eighth 20-point game for Stojakovic, who transferred to Cal from Stanford.

DJ Campbell was next for Cal with 11 points, followed by Joshua Ola-Joseph and Jeremiah Wilkinson with 10 points each off the bench.

Mady Sissoko scored nine points while leading Cal with 11 rebounds, as the Golden Bears had a 40-33 edge on the boards.

Andrew Rohde led the Cavaliers with14 points and six assists, followed by Jacob Cofie with 12 points and Elijah Saunders with 11 points and 10 rebounds for his first career double-double.

The Golden Bears shot 43.1 from the field (22 of 51, 4 of 13 3-pointers) and 27 of 33 at the free throw line. Virginia was held to 32.8 percent shooting 19of 58 field goals, 7 of 23 3-point) and 16 of 18 free throws.

The announced crowd of 3,696 watched the Golden Bears snap a three-game losing streak.

On Saturday, the Golden Bears host Virginia Tech. Tipoff is scheduled for 3 p.m.

Cal Bears WBB podcast with Morris Phillips: Cal and NC State clash Thursday night at Haas Pavilion

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Cal Bears head coach Charmin Smith goes over instructions with the players during a time out (photo by Cal Bears Athletics program)

On the Cal Bears WBB podcast with Morris Phillips:

#1 The Cal Bears (14-2, 2-1 ACC) will tip off against No.21 NC State (12-3) on Thursday night at 7pm here at Haas Pavilion. It is the first top 25 match up played here in Berkeley since the 2017-18. This is the first ever meeting between Cal and NC State.

#2 If Cal were to win on Thursday that would give them two top 25 wins at home for the first time since 2018-19 when they beat No.8 Stanford and No.17 Arizona State.

#3 Morris, what could have been the Bears could have been 10-0 but lost a couple game between win number nine and the two loses but just the same they’ve been a tough customer.

#4 Marta Suarez is having a season she has a leading 19 points hitting eight of 12 shots with six rebounds and was three for three from downtown. What do you look from Marta going into Thursday’s game?

#5 Morris, one important note the NC State Wolfpack are no pushovers they bring a seven game win streak into Haas Pavilion on Thursday night and defeated the Boston College Eagles (10-8) in their last game by a clear decision 91-52 at NC State last Sun Jan 5th.

Morris Phillips does the Cal Bears podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Cal Bears WBB podcast with Morris Phillips: Cal tips off ACC schedule at Clemson Thursday

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Raise your hand if you want a win, the Cal Bears defeated the Temple Owls at Temple University on Sun Dec 22, 2024 for Cal’s seventh straight win in a row. The Bears face the Clemson Tigers on Thu Jan 2, 2025 at Clemson. (Cal Bears photo)

On the Cal Bears podcast with Morris Phillips:

#1 Morris, the Cal Bears have moved up in the AP to number 25 and in the USA Today coaches’ poll at number 20. The way their playing it’s not too surprising?

#2 The Bears (13-1, ACC 1-0) are on a seven game winning streak. This is the best start for Cal since the 2016-17 season.

#3 Cal resumes their ACC docket when they battle the Clemson Tigers on Thu Jan 2 a 4:00pm PST. The Tigers have won three of their last five games. If Cal were to win this game it would give them their best start in school history.

#4 This will be the first time Cal and Clemson have hooked up since the 1990-91 season. Both teams have played twice previously with Cal winning both games.

#5 In Cal’s last game against the Temple Owls on Sun Dec 22 had 50 rebounds which was the most for the Golden Bears since Dec 16, 2022 against UC San Diego when they pulled down 52.

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

Cal Bears WBB podcast with Morris Phillips: Cal battles Clemson Thursday night Jan 2 at Littlejohn Coliseum

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Cal Bears guard Ioanna Krimili (21) and guard Lulu Twidale (10) has been making it happen in leading Cal in score such as they did against the Temple Owls on Sun Dec 22, 2024 (Cal Bears X photo)

On the Cal Bears WBB podcast with Morris Phillips:

#1 The Cal Bears (13-1) continue to roll with a decisive 89-63 win over the Temple (6-6) Owls last Sunday at Cal Berkeley.

#2 Cal now 13-1 is steamrolling and Sunday was no exception outscoring Temple is ever quarter of the game.

#3 Cal’s top scorer’s from Sunday’s contest guard Ioanna Kimilli and guard Lulu Twidale both finishing with 20 points they’ve both been having great seasons.

#4 “Just really proud of where we are as we wrap up non conference, being 13-1,” Cal head coach Charmin Smith said. “This is a good spot for us to be in as we get to go home and get some rest.”

#5 Cal gets set for another contest Thursday night Jan 2 at 4:00pm PST against the Clemson Tigers (8-4). The Tigers have won two of their last three games and have a 5-2 home record and Cal has won seven straight games and are second in the ACC. How do you see this match up between the Bears and Tigers?

Cal Bears podcast with Morris Phllips is heard Thursdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Stojakovic leads way with 31 points, and Bears snap Demons with 84-66 win

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Cal Bears guard Jovan Blacksher Jr drives on a Northwestern State Demons defender at Haas Pavilion in Berkeley on Sat Dec 14, 2024 (Cal Bears MBB X photo)

Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024

Haas Pavilion, Berkeley, California

Northwestern State Demons 66 (4-6)

California Golden Bears 84 (7-4)

By Stephen Ruderman

BERKELEY–Andrej Stojakovic dominated with 31 points, as the Bears snapped their three-game losing streak with an 84-66 win over the Northwestern State Demons.

The Bears came into today’s game after losing their last three. They were not blowouts, and the Bears were competitive in all three games, but three-straight losses following a 6-1 start had to wear on them.

Fortunately for the Bears, they would draw the Northwestern State Demons, and yes, there is a Northwestern, and a Northwestern State The Demons are from the lesser-known Southland Conference, and they are based out of Natchitoches, Louisiana.

Despite an easier matchup, the Bears could not get complacent, but it seemed like they did in the early going. A three by Landyn Jumawan and a layup by Willie Williams staked the Demons out to an early 5-0 lead. The Demons wouldn’t pull away with it, but they remained ahead for much of the first half.

The Demons led 22-16 with 9:05 left in the first half, but that was when the Bears—and really, Andrej Stojakovic—finally came charging. Cal came back to tie it at 26-26 with 5:39 to go. Joshua Ola-Joseph then put the Bears ahead with a three with exactly five minutes remaining.

The Bears would stay ahead for the remainder of the first half, but not by much, as they went into the half up 36-33. Stojakovic carried the way for the Bears, as he scored 16 points in the first half.

Cal then finally pulled away in the second half, as they opened up their lead to 19 points at 61-42 with 10:37 to go. Stojakovic continued to help lead the way, but he also got some help from Jeremiah Wilkinson, who came in off the bench.

The Demons did not give up, as they chipped away at Cal’s lead with a 15-6 run to close it to a 10-point game at 67-57 with 7:57 left. However, the Bears kept their lead at double digits the rest of the way, and won fairly comfortably by a final of 84-66.

Despite his high point totals, Stojakovic has often struggled with field goals in the early going this season, but that was not the case today. Stojakovic was 10-for-14 in field goals, including 4-for-6 from beyond the arc, and 7-for-8 from the line.

Wilkinson has another strong performance with 18 points, 16 of them in the second half. Ola-Joseph scored 13 points, and Jovan Blacksher Jr. scored 12.

The Bears improve to 8-4, and following a week off, they will travel down to San Diego to take on the San Diego State Aztecs for a game next Saturday night. Tipoff will be at 7:30 p.m.

FYI, it will be almost four weeks until the Bears are home again. Cal’s next home game will be on Jan. 8 against the Virginia Cavaliers. Tipoff for that game will be at 8 p.m.

Cal Bears podcast with Stephen Ruderman: Cal hoping to end 3 game skid against Northwestern State today in Berkeley

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Cal Bears forward Spencer Mahoney (7) shows some encouragement for his teammates from the Cal bench during their last home game against the Cornell Big Red at Haas Pavilion in Berkeley on Tue Dec 10, 2024 (Cal Bears photo)

On the Cal Bears podcast with Stephen Ruderman:

#1 The Cal Bears (6-4) take on the Northwestern State Demons (4-8) for a 12 noon tip here at Haas Pavilion in Berkeley. Cal is hoping to snap their three game losing streak after playing but losing some competitive games.

#2 They last played Cornell and although they took the lead on Cornell twice in Tuesday’s game they battled them pretty hard but lost by eight points 88-80.

#3 The Bears got scoring help against Cornell with five players who finished in double figures.

#4 Stephen you got to like the performance the Bears are getting from forward Joshua Ola Joseph he lead Cal in scoring on Tuesday with 21 points and eight rebounds.

#5 The Bears take on Northwestern State have won three of their last five games. In their last game they defeated Houston Christian 64-57 in Houston last Saturday. Stephen what’s your feel on these two teams today?

Stephen Ruderman is a Cal Bears podcast contributor at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Stanford Cardinal MBB podcast with Michael Roberson: Cardinal host Merrimack Tuesday; Stanford has won eight of last ten

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Stanford Cardinal Forward Maxime Raynaud acknowledges the crowd as he and the Cardinal took on the Cal Bears on Sat Dec 14, 2024 at Haas Pavilion in Berkeley (Stanford Cardinal photo)

Stanford Cardinal MBB podcast with Michael Roberson:

#1 Last game for the Stanford Cardinal it was their first Big Game of the season battling the Cal Bears at Haas Pavilion on Saturday afternoon. The Cardinal came away with a 89-81 win in a game they led for most of the way.

#2 Stanford is rolling they improved to 8-2 with the win and they had their way with Cal with five Cardinal finishing in double figures.

#3 The Cardinal Maxime Raynaud has been hard to stop, Raynaud has scored 20 points in his last seven games.

#4 Jaylen Blakes had six assists and two blocked shots. It should be also mentioned that Raynaud had a career best five blocked shots.

#5 Stanford gets back into action against the Merrimack Warriors on Tue Dec 17th a 7:00pm PST tip off at Maples Pavilion. The Warriors are third place in the Metro Atlantic Athletic and have won three in a row.

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

Bears nearly come back from another large deficit, but once fall short 88-80 to Cornell in third-straight loss

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Cal Bears forward Joshua Ola Joseph takes a jump shot against the Cornell Big Red in non conference action at Haas Pavilion in Berkeley on Tue Dec 10, 2024 (@calmbball twitter photo)

Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024

Haas Pavilion, Berkeley, California

Cornell Big Red 88 (7-3)

California Golden Bears 80 (6-4)

By Stephen Ruderman

The Bears came back from down 23 points to take a late lead, but the Cornell Big Red pulled off an 88-80 win in the late minutes to hand Cal their third-straight loss.

Following their 89-81 loss to Stanford in their first all-ACC game on Saturday, the Bears ventured back out of the ACC, as they welcomed the Big Red into Haas Pavilion. Cornell came on winners of two-straight, following dominant and decisive wins over Colgate and Army.

Tuesday night’s game began as a tight one, as the Bears had an 8-7 lead just under three minutes into the game. It was then 11-11 with 12:18 remaining in the first half before Cornell opened up a 47-29 lead into the half.

It was looking to be a blowout, but the Bears showed a lot of fight in them come the second half. Cornell would open their lead to 52-29 just a minute and 46 seconds into the half. Jeremiah Wilkinson then hit a pair of threes, and the Bears would slowly start clawing themselves back into the game.

The Bears went on a 21-7 run to cut Cornell’s lead to 59-50 with 12:34 to go. Cal had fallen short after turning a 20-point deficit into just a six-point deficit against Stanford on Saturday, and they wanted to more than make up for that Tuesday night.

Mady Sissoko made a layup, and Spencer Mahoney hit a three to cut it to 61-55. Cornell kept pace with a layup by Jake Fiegen and Guy Ragland Jr., but after the Bears kept coming, and closed the deficit to 65-61 with 8:57 to go.

Cooper Noard was fouled and hit two from the line, and Ak Okereke made a layup to extend Cornell’s lead back to 69-61.The Bears pulled back within four, but Okereke was fouled and hit two from the line to keep the Big Red’s lead at 71-65 with 6:57 remaining.

Sissoko slammed one down, and Wilkinson made a layup to close it to 71-69. Andrej Stojakovic then hit a three, and the Bears had come all the way back from down 23 points to take a 72-71 lead with 5:15 remaining.

Guy Ragland Jr. hit a three to put Cornell back ahead with exactly five minutes to go, and after a minute with no scoring, Joshua Ola-Joseph hit a layup to tie it at 74-74 with 3:51 left to go. Noard made a layup to put Cornell back ahead 76-74 with nearly 3:20 left, and the score would remain stagnant for nearly another two minutes.

With 1:34 left, Jake Fiegen hit a layup to extend Cornell’s lead to 78-74, but he was fouled and made his shot from the line to make it 79-74. That seemed to kill any late hopes for the Bears to pull this one off, and Cornell won by a final of 88-80.

Ola-Joseph was the leading scorer for the Bears with 21 points, as he was 7-for-11 in field goals. Stojakovic was just 4-for-11 in field goals, but he scored 13, as did Sissoko, who was a perfect 6-for-6. Wilkinson scored 12, and Jovar Blacksher Jr. scored 11.

The Bears fall to 6-4, and they will look to bounce back against the Northwestern State Demons of the little-known Southland Conference on Saturday. Just an FYI, Northwestern State is a different university then Northwestern, though the two teams shared a very-similar shade of purple. Tipoff will be at noon on Saturday.