Bears storm back from early deficit and power themselves to 91-73 win over Cal Poly for first 2-0 start in five years

Cal Bears guard Andrej Stojakovic (2) takes the ball down court against the Cal Poly Mustangs on Thu Nov 7, 2024 (Cal Bears X photo)

Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024

Haas Pavilion, Berkeley, California

Cal Poly Mustangs 73 (0-2)

California Golden Bears 91 (2-0)

By Stephen Ruderman

After falling behind early, the Bears came back to take the lead in the first half, and they pulled away in the second half on their way to a 91-73 win over Cal Poly.

After an 86-73 win over CSU Bakersfield to open the season on Monday night, the Bears welcomed the Cal Poly Mustangs to Haas Pavilion tonight. The Mustangs opened their season across the bay with an 86-78 loss to the University of San Francisco Tuesday night.

The Mustangs wasted no time getting to work tonight. Mike Riniker made a layup, and Isaac Jessup hit a three ball to stake Cal Poly to an early 5-0 lead.

DJ Campbell made a layup to put the Bears on the board, but Jessup hit another three, and Ethan Menzias hit a three of his own to make it 11-2. Cal Poly would make it 17-5 a few minutes later with 14:01 to go, and the Bears needed to get things under control before this game got out of hand.

As the game approached the halfway mark of the first half, the Bears started to chip away at Cal Poly’s lead. Jovan Blacksher Jr. hit a three to make it 17-8, and that would start an 11-2 run for the Bears that would close the Mustangs’ lead to 19-16.

The game would remain steady over the next few minutes. Rytis Petraitis was fouled and hit both from the line to close the gap to 24-22, and two minutes later, he hit a three to give the Bears their first lead of the night.

The Bears then went on another 11-2 run to jump out to a 35-26 lead with 2:27 to go. However, the Mustangs suddenly regained the momentum and went on an 8-2 run to close Cal’s lead to 37-34. The Bears would go into the half up 39-35.

Come the second half, the Bears put the game away. Andrej Stojakovic hit a three 36 seconds in, and Cal scored 12 unanswered points to blow the game open, as they now led 51-35. The rest of the game was smooth sailing, and the Bears won it 91-73.

Blacksher once again led the Bears in scoring tonight with 18 points, as he was 6-for-13 in field goals, and 4-for-7 from beyond the arc. Stojakovic scored 15 points, though he struggled and missed a lot of shots, as he was 5-for-17 in field goals, and just 2-for-9 from beyond the arc.

Petraitis scored 13 points going 3-for-4 in field goals and hitting his only three. The bulk of Petraitis’ scoring came on free throws, as he was 6-for-8 from the line. B.J. Omot scored 10; Christian Tucker and Lee Dort scored eight; and Joshua Ola-Joseph and Jeremiah Wilkinson scored six.

The Bears are off to a 2-0 start for the first time in five years, and they will have the next five days off as a nice reward. Then, they will hit the road for the first time this season, as they will travel to Nashville, Tennessee to play the Vanderbilt Commodores on Wednesday, and then they will return to California to play the USC Trojans down in Los Angeles next Saturday.

Tipoff next Wednesday will be at 7 p.m. CST/5 p.m. PST.

Newbies lead Cal to 86-73 win over CSU Bakersfield in season opener

Cal Bears guard DeJuan Campbell (3) is all smiles on opening night against the CSUB Roadrunners at Haas Pavilion in Berkeley on Mon Nov 4, 2024 (Cal Bears X photo)

Monday, Nov. 4, 2024

Haas Pavilion, Berkeley, California

CSU Bakersfield Roadrunners 73 (0-1)

California Golden Bears 86 (1-0)

By Stephen Ruderman

The Cal Bears (1-0) opened the 2024-2025 season, and a bunch of new faces shined in an 86-73 win over the CSU Bakersfield Roadrunners (0-1) at Haas Pavilion in Berkeley on Monday night.

Following a brutal 3-29 2022-2023 season, the Bears bounced back under first-year head coach Mark Madssn to go 13-19. It wasn’t the greatest record ever, but it didn’t come without its memorable and heartbreaking moments.

The Bears had some epic come-from-behind wins last season, as well as big wins against stronger teams. They even had a chance at a winning season until they lost their final four.

Most of the faces from last season are gone, and the Bears are now in the Atlantic Coast Conference as Madsen returns for his second season. With new blood in the Bears’ locker room, and an entirely new starting lineup of transfers, Madsen would try to build off the momentum from last season.

First up in this new season would be the CSU Bakersfield Roadrunners out of the lesser-known Big West Conference. Right away, one of the newcomers made his presence known. I’m talking about Andrej Stojakovic, the son of former NBA forward Peja Stojakovic, who believe it or not transferred over from Stanford of all places.

Stojakovic hit a three 15 seconds into the game to put the Bears on the board and stake them out to an early 3-0 lead. Over a minute later, he would hit a layup to make it 5-2. Oddly enough, Stojakovic was just 3-for-9 in field goals, but his perfect 9-for-9 in free throws led him to a 16-point performance.

The Roadrunners would take an 8-7 lead a few minutes later, but that would be the only lead they would hold the entire night.

The Bears went into the half with a 46-28 lead. One of the biggest themes in Bears’ games last season was that whichever team had a big lead at halftime was likely to lose it in the second half. Fortunately for the Bears, that did not happen Monday night.

Yes, the Roadrunners made things a little bit interesting late, as they cut the lead in half. However, a strong finish gave the Bears a comfortable 86-73 win.

The leading scorer for the Bears Monday night with 17 points was Jovan a Blacksher Jr., a transfer from Grand Canyon University playing his sixth season of college basketball. Blacksher was 6-for-14 in field goals, and 3-for-7 from beyond the arc.

BJ Omot, a transfer from the University of North Dakota, scored 13 points. DJ Campbell, who transferred from Stockton University, scored 12; and Mady Sissoko, who came over from Michigan State University, scored 10.

The Bears are 1-0, and they will welcome the Cal Poly Mustangs into Haas Pavilion Thursday night. Tipoff will be at 7 p.m.

Stanford Cardinal podcast with Michael Roberson: Cardinal excited to have picked up their first home victory in two seasons

Sep 7, 2024; Stanford, California, USA; Stanford Cardinal wide receiver Tiger Bachmeier (24) returns a punt for a touchdown against the Cal Poly Mustangs during the second half at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images / Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images

On the Stanford Cardinal podcast with Michael Roberson:

#1 The Cardinal really opened up on offense in their last game Sat Sep 7th at Stanford Stadium in Palo Alto against the Cal Poly Mustangs. Tiger Buchmeier returned a 90 yard punt for a third quarter touchdown a key highlight in this game.

#2 Cardinal quarterback Ashton Daniels threw for 271 yards and two touchdowns. Back up quarterback Justin Lamson rushed for a touchdown.

#3 Michael, how special has it got to be for Stanford to pick up their first home victory in coach Troy Taylor’s second year.

#4 Cal Poly scored only one touchdown in the contest in the second quarter and getting landslided 41-7. Mustangs quarterback Bo Kelly was 17-25 passing for 149 yards as Cal Poly drops it’s record to 0-2.

#5 Stanford goes up against the Syracuse Orange at Syracuse this Sat Sep 20th. The Orange are no push overs having won their first to games on Aug 31 defeating Ohio 38-22 and Georgia Tech on Sep 7, 31-28. Will the Orange be a handful for Stanford this Saturday?

Michael Roberson is a Stanford Cardinal beat writer at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Stanford Cardinal podcast with Michael Roberson: Stanford hosts Cal Poly Saturday; Expect Taylor to use multiple QBs again

Stanford Cardinal despite leading in the first half couldn’t hang on to finish off the TCU Horned Frogs in the second half losing the opener on Sat Aug 31, 2024 (Stanford Cardinal X photo)

On the Stanford Cardinal podcast with Michael Roberson:

#1 Michael, the Stanford Cardinal couldn’t protect the lead in the second half of last Friday’s game at Stanford. The Cardinal had a first half lead but it slipped away in the second half.

#2 The Cardinal head coach Troy Taylor started Ashton Daniels who opened up with a first quarter three yard pass to wide receiver Jackson Harris to put the Cardinal on the scoreboard.

#3 In the second quarter coach Taylor switched quarterback and inserted Justin Lamson who tossed a two yard pass to Ismael Cisse at 9:19. The Cardinal held a 17-10 first half lead on a very good football team but it would short lived.

#4 TCU would score on a quarterback Josh Hoover keeper for two yards in the third quarter at 2:22. The Horned Frogs scored two touchdowns in the fourth quarter that pretty put it away and Stanford who hasn’t won a home opener since Sat Sep 3 2022 against against Colgate 41-10.

#5 The Cardinal are hoping second times the charm. They take on the Cal Poly Mustangs who lost their first game by a touchdown to the San Diego Toreros 27-21 last Saturday in San Diego. It’s home game for the Cardinal on Saturday with a 4:00pm PT kick off. Do you see this being a close one?

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

Stanford Cardinal podcast with Michael Roberson: Friday Night Lights for Stanford were turned off by TCU; Cardinal get another chance vs. Cal Poly Saturday

Stanford Cardinal quarterback Ashton Daniels (14) drops back to pass during the first quarter against the TCU Horned Frogs at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports / Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports

On the Stanford Cardinal podcast with Michael Roberson:

#1 The TCU quarterback Justin Hoover led the Horned Frogs with 353 passing yards and got TCU a go ahead touchdown in the second half to help defeat the Stanford Cardinal at Stanford Stadium last Friday 34-37.

#2 Former Cal Bears head coach and current TCU head coach Sonny Dykes said “We talked a lot about about being mentally tough,” Dykes said. “I thought we were. We got down and guys never blinked.”

#3 Stanford had the half time lead 17-10 taking a look at that first half how good did the Cardinal look they did get off to a good start.

#4 The Cardinal have used multiple quarterbacks as head coach Troy Taylor as promised with Aston Daniels and Justin Lamson. Is using quarterbacks working or confusing for the offense?

#5 The Cardinal host the Cal Poly Mustangs. The Mustangs last Saturday lost by a touchdown 27-21 to the San Diego Toreros. This might be one of those games where the Cardinal have not only the home field but a shot at getting in the win column next Saturday at 4:00pm PT.

Michael Roberson does the Stanford Cardinal podcasts each Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Cardinal Lose to Horned Frogs, 34-27 in Season-Home Opener on the Farm

The Stanford Cardinal line up against TCU Horned Frogs at Stanford Stadium on Fri Aug 30, 2024 (Stanford Cardinal photo)

By Michael Roberson

STANFORD, Calif. — The Stanford Cardinal (0-1, 0-0 ACC) allowed the Texas Christian University Horned Frogs (1-0. 0-0 Big 12) to HOP around the campus, and fell to the Lone Star State visitors 34-27, on Opening Night in the Bay on Friday night.

The Duo Quarterback mode that Stanford head coach Troy Taylor implemented, was a hit early, as both Ashton Daniels and Justin Lamson reached paydirt, via the pass. However, the ploy did not result in the Cardinal getting the victory.

“Yeah, we had the lead late in the fourth quarter, so our guys battled. They’re a good team, resilient. We were able to take the lead with six minutes left and we got to get a stop and then we got to go back and score again.” Stated Stanford HC Troy Taylor.

“So just didn’t finish it. I thought we did a good job being resilient. Obviously struggled offensively in the second after early on and were able to stay in this. Defense made some good stops. Just wasn’t enough plays.”

Stanford was able to score on their initial drive, with the help of TCU’s costly penalties. As the Cardinal was about to turn the ball over on downs, guests from Texas committed a pass interference penalty. With the second chance, Daniels scrambles for a first down, which is aided by another TCU penalty, unnecessary roughness. Later in the drive, they commited yet another foul play, face masking.

Midway through the quarter, Daniels tossed a three yard touchdown to redshirt freshman Jackson Harris. The home team actually graciously accepted the plentiful gifts from their Southern guests. Stanford was up 7-0, garnering the first tally on the scoreboard. That immediate advantage was short-lived.

TCU marched down the field very efficiently, as sophomore QB Josh Hoover was a perfect 7-7 with his arm. He completed a 5-yard touchdown pass to senior wide receiver Savion Williams to even the game at seven, near the end of the first quarter. After 15 minutes of play, the game was tied, 7-7.

In the second stanza, Stanford’s drive stalled. However, the Horned Frogs were were still in the gift giving mood. They gave the bal right back to Stanford on a fumble after a pass reception. They once again received their present with glee and used it wisely.

The drive was culminated with Justin Lamson throwing a two yard touchdown to redshirt freshman Ishmael Cisse, putting the Cardinal back up by seven, 14-7. That was the first touchdown for both players involved in the combination score.

Not to be outdone by their opponent’s philanthropy, Daniels threw an interception that was deflected to senior nose tackle Tymon Mitchell. TCU turned that into a 22-yard field goal by freshman kicker Kyle Lemmermann. Horned Frogs cut the deficit to four, 14-10, Stanford.

The Cardinal also decided to utilize their kicke; Senior Emmet Kenney booted a 35-yard conversion, putting them up 17-10 before the half. Stanford took the touchdown lead into the locker room.

The third quarter was all Horned Frogs, as they scored ten consecutive points and took the lead from the Cardinal, 20-17. This was done on a 42-yard FG by Lemmermann and a touchdown sneak by Hoover.

The Final quarter had an interesting start. TCU’s kicker missed a 39-yard FG attempt a little over three minutes into the timeblock. This would have put them up by six. Instead, Stanford took the lead back, on a one yard keeper by Lamson. The Cardinal led 24-20, with seven minutes left in regulation.

Less than four minutes later TCU’s Hoover threw another touchdown (4 yards) pass to have the Horned Frogs leap back in front by three, 27-24. They added to the advantage with another touchdown, after Stanford relinquished the ball on a 4th & 16 attempt. Sophomore running back Cam Cook scampered in for a seven yard touchdown. near the two minute warning. TCU was up ten at that point, 34-24.

With less than a minute left in the contest, Emmet Kenney converted a 45-yarder to bring them within seven, 34-27. When the clock hit zeros, that was the final score.

Ashton Daniels threw for 163 yards and a touchdown, while rushing for 89 more, and had a comment on what type of game he prefers:

“Yeah, yeah doesn’t necessarily matter to me. I wouldn’t rather have one game one game and one game the other. Whatever is helping our offense out best, whatever is scoring us points, is what I like.”

Justin Lamson scored a passing and rushing touchdown, ,and Elic Ayomanor had 102 receiving yards. TCU was led by their QB’s 353 passing yards, two touchdown via air, and one rushing. They also had two receivers with 100+ receiving yards.

Stanford is next in action Saturday September 9, back here on the Farm versus Cal Poly at 4 PM PDT, while TCU heads back to Texas to host Long Island, on the same dat at 5 PM CST.

San Jose State Spartans Lose In Overtime To Cal Poly Mustangs 81-77

The San Jose State Spartans forward Tibet Gorener (5) with center Adrame Diongue (4) stays ahead of Cal Poly Mustang center Kobe Sanders (3) in Montana on Wed Nov 29, 2023 (San Jose State Spartans photo)

Wednesday, November 29th, 2023

By Troy Ewers

Looking for their fourth win in a row, the San José men’s basketball team took on the Cal Poly Mustangs. The Spartans won their final two games at the 2023 U.S. Virgin Islands Paradise Jam, against Norfolk State and Hampton, then returned home and defeated North Dakota State. The contest against Cal Poly was the first of three games on the road as the Spartans will play at Montana on Saturday and North Dakota State on Monday. The Spartans suffered the their first loss of this three game road trip 81-77.

The first half was all in the control of the Spartans with Trey Anderson leading the team in points with 10. 50% from the field and 50% from the three plus only three turnovers, the Spartans were feeling it on offense, but keeping Cal Poly from really catching a stride was a big key to maintaining a lead for SJSU. At the end of the half Spartans hold a lead 38-30. 

The Spartans biggest problem this season is when they lose, it’s usually because they aren’t able to close it out. This seemed to be the case early on in the second half when Cal Poly was able to bring the game within two with 13 minutes left in the game.

Cal Poly eventually took the lead for the first time in the half at 47-46, but it was clear the Spartans had to lock in. Late into the half the Spartans started to run away with the lead and it was because Anderson, Tibet Gorener, and MJ Amey Jr. who all had double digit points, but in the last minute of the game Cal Poly found a way to push it and bring the game within three points.

In the last 13 seconds, Cal Poly made a point game, but a clutch two free throws by Amey Jr. made it a three point game. Cal Poly’s Kobe Sanders made a three to tie and when Alvaro Cardenas missed the game winning three, we went to overtime. 69-69. 

Overtime it went back and forth between the teams, but with 18 seconds Cal Poly had a four point lead and SJSU missed three point opportunities, but settled for a two and were down two with three seconds left in OT. 79-77 Cal Poly and Kobe Sanders was at the free throw line. Sanders made both free throws and went back up by four and that was the end of the game, Cal Poly wins 81-77. 

Unfortunate loss for SJSU on the road to close out November, but they stay on the road for their next game against Montana in Missoula, Montana on December 2nd and hope to start the month back in stride before they begin conference play games.

Stanford Cardinal basketball podcast with Michael Roberson: Cardinal get ready for ESPN Events Tournament in Orlando

Stanford Cardinal open the ESPN Events Tournament in Orlando Thu Nov 24, 2022 against Ole Miss (photo from #GoStanford)

On the Cardinal MBB podcast with Michael:

#1 Michael, last game for the Cardinal (2-2) they handled the Cal Poly Mustangs (1-2) with ease on Friday night 80-43.

#2 The Cardinal got off to a 19-0 run against Cal Poly and the Mustangs couldn’t even score a buck in the first seven minutes of the game.

#3 The Cardinal defense made taking the ball away from Cal Poly look like child’s play. The Cardinal took the ball away on 12 turnovers in just 30 minutes.

#4 Stanford senior Michael Jones was got shutout at UC San Diego on Tue Nov 15 made up for lost time scoring on Cal Poly’s defense with 12 points in the first half teammate Max Murrell scored 12 points and it was over early for the Mustangs as Stanford came away with a 28 point 47-19 lead at the half.

#5 Michael just to get your prospective on the next up coming game for the Cardinal as they face Ole Miss for the ESPN Events Tournament Thursday a 10:30 AM tip in Orlando.

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

Stanford Tames Cal Poly on the Farm 80-43

Stanford Cardinal picked up win over the Cal Poly Mustangs at Maples Pavilion on Fri Nov 18. 2022 (@StanfordMBB photo)

By Michael Roberson

STANFORD, Cal.– The Stanford Cardinal (2-2) was able to corral the Cal Poly Mustangs (1-2) inside the friendly confines of Maples Pavilion, 80-43.

Stanford got off to a TREEmendous start with a 19-0 run to start the game. Cal Poly was held scoreless for a little over seven minutes (7:09), and finally got off the goose egg on a corner 3 right in front of Stanford’s bench.

The Cardinal’s defense was really intense the first 30 minutes, forcing 12 turnovers, as well as their prolific offense, posting a lead as high as 30 points, with 10 3-pointers.

Senior guard Michael Jones, who was held scoreless last game in a Cardinal loss to San Diego State, came out like gangbusters in the first half with a midway game-high 12 points. His junior forward teammate Max Murrell also tallied 12 points at intermission. Stanford held a 28-point advantage at the half, 47-19.

Stanford increased the scoring margin immediately in the second stanza and got it as high as 39 late in half number two. When the scoreboard reached :00, the Cardinal won the game by a whopping 37 points, 80-43.

The Cardinal was led in scoring by Michael Jones and Max Murrell with 15 points each, while senior guard Trevon Taylor paced the Mustangs with 12 points.

Stanford will next be in action in Orlando, Florida at ESPN Wide World of Sports tournament against Ole Miss November 24, and next facing either Florida State or Siena the 25th and 27th. Cal Poly will host Mount St. Mary’s Sunday, November 20.

San Jose State Spartans game wrap: Spartans lose second straight game to Cal Poly 75-71

San Jose State Spartans forward Ralph Agee (35) finished third in scoring for the Spartans with 13 points against the Cal Poly Mustangs on Sun Dec 13, 2020 (photo from sjsuspartans.com)

By Barbara Mason

Sunday afternoon the San Jose Spartans took on  Cal Poly San Luis Obispo on the Mustangs home court.  Currently the Mustangs are 1-2 while the Spartans are 1-1 after being soundly beaten Friday night at the hands of the St. Mary’s Gaels 96-61.  
The Spartans never got anything going in that game and were re-grouping for the quick turnaround and hopes for a much better showing against Cal Poly. 
 
San Jose took a nice 29-12 lead in the first half before letting their foot off the pedal allowing the Mustangs to pull within eight points.  As the first half came to an end the Spartans led but the score had been whittled down to four points 36-32.
San Jose seemed to have had the game in hand early on but the stubborn Mustangs had other plans as they challenged the Spartans with some nice work from Keith Smith for eight points, Mark Crowe for six points as well as help from their bench.  
 
The Spartans had Seneca Knight back and he went right to work scoring 12 points.  Ralph Agee had eight points and Richard Washington also contributed eight points.  The team would lean heavily on Knight, Agee and Washington in the second half as well as their defense keeping the Mustangs from another surge in the second half.
 
The second half was not the start that San Jose had hoped for.  They lost the lead and found themselves trailing early. The Spartans fought back and with 7:04 left in the game they were tied at 59.  
San Jose fought the entire game but came up just short losing a heartbreaker 75-71.  Washington finished the game with 22 points, Knight with 20 and Agee with 13 plus some nice work off the bench from Trey Smith and Kaison Hammonds.  San Jose now drops to a 1-2 record, next taking on Santa Clara Friday the time TBD.