Tag: Duke Blue Devils

Stanford Cardinal podcast Daniel Dullum: Cardinal no match for Duke in 80-50 loss Saturday

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Stanford Cardinal guard Ebuka Okorie (1) takes a shot over the Duke Blue Devils guard Dame Sarr (7) in the second half at Maples Pavilion Palo Alto on Sat Jan 17, 2026 (AP News photo)

Stanford Cardinal podcast Daniel Dullum:

#1 Ebuka Okorie was a major factor in Stanford’s offense with his scoring and playmaking — how did his game-planning from the start affect UNC’s defensive approach, and what adjustments did he make when he started heating up?

#2 Jeremy Dent-Smith and Ryan Agarwal knocked down key three-pointers late in the previous matchup to help seal the win — what did those clutch shots say about Stanford’s confidence and the team’s execution in crucial moments?

#3 How important was it to contain Stanford’s shooters like Benny Gealer and Benny Agarwal rotation offensively, and were there any specific looks they wanted to take or avoid during crunch time?

#4 With Chisom Okpara’s status fluctuating due to injury this season, did his availability Saturday night change how the Cardinal structured its lineup, and how did that impact effect the Cardinal defensive matchups?

#5 Stanford’s depth includes Oskar Giltay and versatile wings — how did those role players influence the flow of the game, especially in rebounding and spacing, compared to the Cardinal scouting report?

Join Daniel Dullum for the Stanford Cardinal podcasts Sunday evenings at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Cardinal knocked over by #6 Blue Devils 80-50, on a Sunny Saturday Afternoon on the Farm

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Stanford Cardinal forward AJ Rohosy (4) gets the rebound against the Duke Blue Devils guard Cayden Boozer (2) in the second half at Maples Pavilion in Palo Alto on Sat Jan 17, 2026 (AP News photo)

By Michael Robeson

STANFORD, Calif. — The battle of the ACC freshmen was one-sided, as Ebuka Okorie’s Stanford Cardinal (14-5, 3-3 ACC) lost to Cameron Boozer’s sixth ranked Duke Blue Devils (17-1, 6-0 ACC) 80-50, inside a packed Maples Pavilion.

Duke opened the game on a Cameron Boozer 6-0 run, and he did not stop there.  The freshman phenom and his twin brother Cayden combined for 37 points and 15 rebounds.  Although Cameron garnered the bulk of those numbers.  The twins are the offspring of former NBA player Carlos Boozer, and have created a stir in Durham, similar to last year with Cooper Flagg.

The Cardinal was present too, but had a tough time shooting and scoring in the first half.  They shot 29% from the field and @3% from Three.  The Blue Devils defense held them to 19 points in the first 20 minutes of game action.  As a matter of fact, Stanford did not score until 4:03 had elapsed off the clock.

To further that point, their high scoring and high flying freshman sensation was not off to an early and explosive start as he did in the previous game and others prior to that one.  By the time the game reached the midway point, Stanford had no player with at least 10 points, while the aforementioned Boozer had 20 points and 9 rebounds.

At recess, the visitors from North Carolina led by 16 points, 35-19.  The Blue Devils shot nearly 52% from the field, while beyond the arc was putrid (17%).  Maples had a buzz with a solid fan base from both schools.  Both Duke and North Carolina fans and alumni traveled well to the Bay Area or are based locally.  A terrific ACC atmosphere was present at Maples, and possibly at Haas pavilion too, because of the two blue-blood schools from back East.

The second half had Stanford scoring first, but Duke had multiple runs and led by as many as 32 points during the final half.  Boozer had a steady second half, while a couple of teammates joined him in double-figure scoring.  On the Cardinal side, Jeremy Dent-Smith managed to eclipse that plateau, as he put up 18 points for the home team.

After 40 minutes of ACC action, the Duke Blue Devils emerged from the Stanford campus with a 30-point blowout victory, 80-50. and a sweep of the Bay (Cal) conference squads.

Dent-Smith led the Cardinal with his 18 points and huge efforts to keep his team in reach.  Cameron Boozer ended up with 30 points and 14 rebounds, while his teammates Isaiah Evans (15) and Patrick Ngongba (13) both did their part for the victory.

Stanford will next be in action Saturday, January 24 at Maples, hosting Cal, for part 1 of the Battle of the Bay (ACC Style) at % PM PT on the ACC Network.  Duke flies back to Durham to host Wake Forest on the same date, at 5:45 PM ET on The CW Network.

Cal Bears podcast Michael Villanueva: Duke shuts down Cal’s scoring to pick up 71-56 win

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Duke Blue Devils guard Caleb Foster (1) takes a shot over Cal Bears Semetri Carr (3) in the first half at Haas Pavilion in Berkeley on Wed Jan 14, 2026 (AP News photo)

Cal Bears podcast Michael Villanueva:

#1 Dai Dai Ames had a significant role in his offensive flow tonight — how did you see his shot selection and decision-making impacted Cal’s ability to stay competitive with Duke?”

#2 Considering Justin Pippin’s role as a primary playmaker, what adjustments did Cal try to make when Duke pressure heated up, and how do you think they worked?

#3 Lee Dort one of the team’s leading rebounders — how did Dort approach the paint against Duke’s size and athleticism, and what could the Bears have done differently on the boards?

#4 Cal has a mix of veteran and younger pieces — how did they balance experience and energy to try to sustain runs in games like this, and what did you learn from Wednesday night’s matchup?

#5 There were a number of three minute dry spells for Cal that was crucial in them falling behind in the 71-56 loss to Duke.

Michael Villnueva is a Cal Bears beat writer at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Cal Golden Bears loses Sell Out Game to No.6 Duke Blue Devils, 71-56, Bears on a 3 Game Losing-Streak.

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California Golden Bear forward Lee Dort #34, throws down a dunk to cut the lead to 6 points, 25-19, with 5 minutes remaining in the 1st half on January 14th, 2026, in Haas Pavilion. (Photo Credits by Lezleigh Maldonado – Sports Radio Services)

By Michael Villanueva

BERKELEY – The California Golden Bears fell to No. 6 Duke Blue Devils, 71–56, on Wednesday night at Haas Pavilion, one of Cal Berkeley’s first sell out games, marking the first ACC matchup between the two programs this season.

Both teams entered the contest trending in opposite directions in conference play, with Duke sitting in first place in the ACC and Cal ranked 13th, looking to bounce back after losing two straight road games against Virginia and Virginia Tech. The Golden Bears also hoped to turn the tide in the all-time series, having dropped their last three meetings with Duke and not beaten the Blue Devils since an 82–77 victory on March 20, 1993, in Rosemont, Illinois. Cal was also chasing a rare milestone, as the Bears’ last win over an AP Top-10 opponent came on Feb. 1, 2014, when they upset No. 1 Arizona at Haas Pavilion.

California opened the game with its starting five of guards Dai Dai Ames, Justin Pippen, forwards John Camden, Chris Bell, and Lee Dort, with Ames leading the Bears at 17.8 points per game. Duke countered with guards Caleb Foster, Isaiah Evans, Dame Sarr, forwards Cameron Boozer, and Patrick Ngongba II, led by Cameron Boozer’s 22.9 points per game coming into the night.

Chris Bell got the game started by drilling a three-pointer off a Duke turnover, giving Cal early energy and getting the Haas Pavilion crowd involved. Cal came out firing, taking 11 shots in the first five minutes, but the Bears struggled to convert, making just three for 27 percent shooting. Duke also had trouble settling in early, committing four turnovers while shooting 2-of-5 (40 percent) during that stretch. Cal capitalized on those mistakes, scoring five points off Duke turnovers to stay in the early running.

With 8:00 left in the first half, Caleb Foster knocked down a three-pointer to give Duke its first lead at 17–15. The Blue Devils then got a lift from Patrick Ngongba II, who finished the night with six points on 3-of-5 shooting and grabbed six rebounds, helping stabilize Duke’s offense.

Cal responded with a 12–2 run over three minutes to retake control at 27–21, sparked by Lee Dort’s back-to-back alley-oop dunks that energized the crowd. But Duke closed the half on a 13–0 run, taking advantage of a three-minute scoring drought by the Bears and heading into the locker room with a 37–30 lead.

The Golden Bears opened the second half with a 7–0 scoring run, cutting the deficit to 41–39 thanks to Justin Pippen drawing fouls and converting three of four free throws and Dai Dai Ames knocking down key baskets. However, Cal struggled to sustain offense, going another three minutes without a field goal, while Duke went 5-of-5 from the field to extend its lead to 60–48 with seven minutes remaining.

Down the stretch, Duke took control, going 8-of-9 from the field in the final six minutes as Cal continued to struggle with shooting and accumulated a high foul count. Lee Dort led the way for Cal with 14 points and nine rebounds, while John Camden added 11 points, including 3-of-5 from three-point range, and grabbed two rebounds. Ultimately, three bears were able to finish with double-digits: Lee Dort , Justin Pippen, and John Camden

With two minutes remaining, Duke held a 19-point advantage, showcasing their ability to shoot, play, and handle the hostile “Haas of Pain”. The Blue Devils went on to defeat Cal 71–56. Ultimately, Cal digged their own defeat as the team saw multiple scoring droughts that just weren’t helping and making the Bears not golden at home.

The Golden Bears will look to bounce back at home on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 1 p.m., against No. 14/15 North Carolina Tar Heels (14-3, 2-2 ACC).

Cal Bears podcast Morris Phillips: Cal hosts UNC tries to recover from Duke loss

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Cal cornerback Hezekiah Masses could not prevent Duke’s Cooper Barkate from catching a touchdown pass. / D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images

Cal Bears podcast Morris Phillips:

#1 How did Duke manage to erase Cal’s early 21‑7 lead and dominate the rest of the game?

#2 What role did turnovers and sacks play in the outcome, and which players were most responsible on both sides?

#3 How effective was Cal’s freshman quarterback Jaron Keawe‑Sagapolutele early versus later in the game, and what changed?

#4 Which Duke offensive players made the biggest impact, and how did Cal’s defense struggle to contain them?

#5 Cal hosts UNC head coach Bill Belichick and the UNC Tar Heels and it’s a winnable game for Cal who have home field. The Tar Heels have been struggling losing their last two games and are 2-3 how do you see this match up between UNC and Cal in Berkeley on Fri Oct 17 a 7:30pm PT kickoff.

Cal Bears podcasts are heard Thursdays with Morris Phillips at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

“Bad Football:” Coach Wilcox Doesn’t Mince Words After Cal Gets Blitzed By Duke In A 45-21 Loss

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By Morris Phillips

BERKELEY, CA–Depending on your perspective, ACC Football After Dark has never looked so bad, or if you tuned in after 11:30pm in Durham, North Carolina, has it looked so good.

If you missed the first quarter and change of the 7:30pm kickoff local time, you missed Cal’s confident start offensively in which they threw up a trio of touchdowns post haste. Jeron Keawe Sagapolutele started 9 for 9 passing with a touchdown pass, and looked like he had passed his first mid-term exams with such aplomb that he was immediately declared a sophomore.

Then, up 21-7 on favored Duke, the Cal Bears self-destructed.

Sagapolutele would finish the game with completions on 11 of his final 22 pass attempts, including three damaging interceptions. Having seen enough, Coach Justin Wilcox lifted his freshman quarterback for backup Devin Brown, who threw an interception on his only pass of the evening.

Meanwhile, Duke caught fire, scoring 24 points in the second quarter alone, and 38 unanswered points in total. The biggest contributor to Duke’s surge, according to Wilcox, was Cal’s sluggish, inattentive play defensively.

“Bad football. Bad football. Guys getting lined up late,” Wilcox said.

Simply, once Duke and quarterback Darian Mensah hit their stride, they strutted. The Blue Devils scored three touchdowns in less than seven minutes and took a 31-21 lead at the half.

When Cal’s defense stiffened in the third quarter, their offense wilted with punts on three, consecutive possessions before Duke piled it on with two, fourth quarter touchdowns. Sagapolutele looked rushed, and made bad decisions because of the pressure, which resulted in interceptions bookending the three fruitless possessions. Six Duke sacks didn’t help, nor did a running game that produced just 41 yards.

“Bad protection technique from Cal’s pass protectors,” Wilcox conceded. “We have to do a better job protecting.”

Two other big statistical numbers stood out in what is now the game in which Cal allowed the most points to an unranked team in Wilcox’s nine seasons as head coach: the Blue Devils registered 13 tackles for a loss of yardage, while their offense compiled 11 pass plays of at least 15 yards gained.

“We’re finally looking like the team I was hoping we would be and my excitement is thru the roof,” coach Manny Diaz said of his Duke team that improved to 4-2 with a 3-0 record in ACC play.

Cal Bears podcast Morris Phillips: Sagapolutele’s success leads Cal to wins

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The Cal Bears celebrate after Luke Ferrelli’s game-clinching interception against the Boston College Eagles on Sat Sep 27, 2025 (Cal Bears photo)

Cal Bears podcast Morris Phillips:

#1 What was the turning point or decisive play that ultimately decided the game? The 51‑yard touchdown pass by Cal’s QB Jaron‑Keawe Sagapolutele late in the game. Cal came away with a 28-24 win.

#2 How did each team’s strengths and weaknesses compare heading into the matchup, and how did that affect the outcome? Boston College’s strong passing offense vs. Cal’s run defense; Cal’s red zone vulnerabilities vs. BC’s red zone defense.

#3 Which individual performance stood out for either side — positively or negatively — and how did those impact the game? Turbo Richard’s 171 rushing yards for BC, Sagapolutele’s composure after early mistakes, or key interceptions.

#4 What role did turnovers, penalties, or special teams play in the flow and final result of the game?

#5 What does this result mean for each team going forward — in terms of momentum, conference implications, or expectations for the rest of the season?

Join Morris Phillips for the Cal Bears podcasts Thursdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Stanford Cardinal podcast with Michael Roberson: Stanford hoping to end 2 game skid against Cal Saturday

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Stanford Cardinal forward Maxime Raynaud (42) drives on Duke Blue Devils center Khaman Maluach (9) at Cameron Indoor Arena in Durham North Carolina on Sat Feb 15, 2025 (Stanford Cardinal photo)

Stanford Cardinal podcast with Michael Roberson:

#1 The Stanford Cardinal came into Duke University on Sat Feb 15 hoping to bounce back from a tough loss to the Georgia Tech on Wed Feb 12th 60-52 but got destroyed by the Blue Devils 106-70.

#2 In the first half Duke offense was unstoppable scoring 49 points to Stanford’s 34. The Cardinal simply couldn’t do anything with Duke’s defense that prevented them to get inside all first half long.

#3 Duke turned it up a notch not holding back in the second half scoring 57 to Stanford’s 36 points. Not much difference from the first half but it sure had Stanford head coach Kyle Smith busy with his X’s and O’s.

#4 Only three Stanford Cardinal finished in double figures. Forward Maxime Raynaud led with 19 points followed by guard Oziyah Sellers second with 11 points, and Donavin Young with ten points.

#5 Up next for the Cardinal the Cal Bears who pay Stanford a visit this Sat Feb 22 a 7:00pm PST. The Bears have lost their last three games and have struggling road record at 2-8. Stanford is 13-2 at home and lost their last two games in a row. How do you see this match on Saturday?

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

Stanford Cardinal podcast with Michael Roberson: Cardinal will have hands full at Duke on Saturday

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Stanford Cardinal forward Cameron Grant (20) takes some pre game shots in preparation for the game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at McCamish Pavilion in Atlanta on Wed Feb 12, 2025 (Stanford Cardinal X photo)

Stanford Cardinal podcast with Michael Roberson:

#1 The Stanford Cardinal suffered a tough loss to the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in an eight point loss 60-52 Wednesday night in Atlanta. Stanford now drops their road record to 3-5.

#2 Jackets guard Nathan George delivered leading in scoring with 22 points with seven rebounds and five assists. The Cardinal had a tough time containing him.

#3 Another Jacket the Cardinal had a tough containing was forward Baye Ndongo who was second in scoring with 15 points.

#4 The Cardinal leading scorer was guard Jaylen Blakes with 12 points and for Maxime Raynaud he finished with a surprising eight points as the Jackets were able to contain him.

#5 Stanford has a tall order facing the Duke Blue Devils on Saturday at 1:00pm PST at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham North Carolina. Duke is the toughest in the conference first place at 21-3 and is undefeated at home at 14-0.

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

Cal Bears WBB podcast with Morris Phillips: Cal battles Stanford on the Hill Thursday

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Cal Bears center Michelle Onyiah (0) takes a shot over the Wake Forest Demon Deacons forward Kennedy Moore (15) at LVJM Coliseum in Winston-Salem NC on Sun Jan 19, 2025 (Cal Bears photo)

On the Cal Bears WBB podcast with Morris Phillips:

#1 Cal Bears who are Cal is 17-3, 5-2, 11 scheduled games remaining, nine against teams below them in the ACC standings and 11-0 at Haas Pavilion.  Marta Suarez led with 16 points with nine assists, Ioanna Krimili and Lulu Twidale scored four three pointers and both finished with 14 points on Sunday in Cal’s 67-55 win over the Wake Forest Demon Deacons (7-12) in Winston-Salem NC.

#2 Michelle Onyiah scored ten points and grabbed ten rebounds with her fifth double-double of the season.

#3 Krimili was aggressive in getting the basketball early scoring their first eight points for a 10-2 start that put Cal in front 23-19 for Cal’s first lead four minutes in the second quarter and never look back.

#4 Morris, after getting crushed by Duke 72-38 on Thursday how important was it for them to turn around on Sunday and get that win against Wake Forest to end their road trip to Tabacco Road?

#5 Cal tips off against their cross bay rival the Stanford Cardinal (10-8) Thu Jan 22 for a 7:00pm PST start. The Cardinal are 13th in the ACC. Stanford has almost been flawless at home with a 9-1 record. Do you see the Bears not being intimidated and getting business done or could it be a battle for them at Maples Pavilion?

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