Tag: Florida State Seminoles

Cardinal topped Seminoles 20-13, on a cool evening on the Farm; remaining undefeated at home

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Stanford Cardinal head coach Frank Reich (center right) celebrates with Scotty Edwards (21) at Stanford Stadium in Palo Alto after their win against the UNC Tar Heels on Sat Oct 17, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Michael Roberson

STANFORD, Calif. — The Stanford Cardinal (3-4, 2-2 ACC) are perfect at their home stadium, after defeating conference foe Florida State Seminoles (3-4, 0-4 ACC) 20-13, Saturday Night in the Bay Area.

The Cardinal won the coin toss, but deferred their possession to receive the ball after the half.. That turned out to be a good choice, as the Noles could not advance the ball at all, and punted immediately. The Cardinal did take the gift graciously, and used it in their favor.

Midway through the first quarter, Stanford utilized their initial possession to their advantage, by putting points on the scoreboard. Senior Emmett Kenney converted a 32-yard field goal, to put the home team up by three, 3-0.

FSU tried to tie the game later in the period, but missed a 57-yard attempt. Later, Florida State intercepted a pass from redshirt-senior QB Ben Gulbranson. They were not able to parlay that turnover to points, so the quarter ended with the same scoring margin. Stanford 3-0, after 15 minutes of gameplay.

The second stanza definitely had more action. Within a minute of the second quarter, FSU evened the score, 3-3. Redshirt-freshman kicker booted a 39-yard FG through the uprights, evening the score at three. The Cardinal were on a mission to regain the lead.

Stanford had a botched field goal scenario, filling the Seminoles defense with a sense of pride. However, they were called for an offsides penalty, negating their efforts, while giving Stanford another chance to score. They did capitalize on another chance/opportunity.

The Cardinal actually seized the moment and scored a touchdown instead, They intended to go up by three, but the circumstances changed the scenario, they actually went up by seven, 10-3. The Noles still had still had a modicum of time before recess.

With :40 remaining in the first half, FSU senior QB Tommy Castellanos scrambled to paydirt, on an 8-yard keeper, putting the Floridians within three, 13-10 at the half. Although Stanford still was in the lead, and would be receiving the ball in the beginning of the third quarter.

The Cardinal did not do much with that prized possession, but they prevented FSU from doing anything either. With a little over three minutes remaining in the third quarter, Stanford burst through the line of scrimmage and goal line, with a 1-yard rushing TD by redshirt-freshman RB Cole Tabb. That put them up by 10 points, 20-10, after 45 minutes of conference battling.

Five and a half minutes into the final quarter, the Seminoles scratched the scoring column again, by converting a 33-yard FG, making it a one score game, 20-13, Stanford.

Near the end of the quadrant, Stanford’s Mitch Leibor was penalized and ejected with a targeting call on FSU’s QB. This put the Seminoles in an advantageous position to tie the game, or even win with a 2-point conversion.

After several wacky plays, penalties, and conversion, it came down to one last untimed play. Florida State came up short of the goal line. Even that play had to be examined on the replay booth. After the officials emerged from the booth, their determination was that the original call stood, and Florida State would return to the Sunshine State with another L. The final score 20-13 was the total for the victorious Cardinal..

Coincidentally, the Cardinal will next be in action in the State of Florida, as they take on the Miami Hurricanes Saturday, October 25 at 4 PM PT and 7 PM ET. Florida State, on the other hand, will have a week off, before hosting Wake Forest in Tallahassee Saturday, November 1 at TBD.

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.

Cal Women To Be Pushed By Florida State, Nation’s Leading Scorer, Ta’Niya Latson

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By Morris Phillips

BERKELEY, CA–Brooke Wyckoff’s Seminoles have never been to Berkeley. This season, they’ve yet to face a ranked opponent and No. 24 Cal is up next. And they’re coming off a frustrating loss at Stanford in which they scored 84 points, and lost in regulation.

When you’re 13-3 with big goals, you crawl back to the hotel, recharge, and spend little time waxing poetically about your beautiful January weekend in Northern California.

“What it takes is a standard of excellence on both ends of the floor,” Wyckoff said immediately, in reflecting on the trip so far, including a loss at Stanford that was simply not what she wants from her experienced, talented team.

The host Cardinal came in a mess, and left blessed. Losers of five of their last six, Stanford pushed the pace, and made shots. They also dominated the glass, and never trailed after 9-8 early in the first period. Wyckoff demanded her team assess themselves, individually and collectively, and take responsibility for their performance in the 89-84 loss.

“We need better defense, no uncontested threes,” she said. “We scored 84 points, which is less than what we normally score, but enough to win a basketball game.”

Ta’Niya Latson, the nation’s leading scorer at 27.7 ppg, put up 24 but wasn’t on her game. Two games ago, she scored 40, and she’s exceeded 24 on ten other occasions. But against Stanford, she needed 22 shots to reach that 24, and defensively, she got caught on a couple of instances outside of reach of Stanford shooters.

Latson’s response to a subpar game could be Cal’s biggest concern. The junior guard is rarely out of pocket and produces big numbers effortlessly and seemingly from muscle memory. Cal will dial up several different defenses, but Latson’s unlikely to be phased.

“It’s the natural growth as a player, from day one she’s seen every type of coverage thrown at her,” Wyckoff said of Latson. “She’s more comfortable now than ever.”

Latson’s body maturity after a couple of seasons in a university-style gym is noticeable. At 5’8″, she’s exceptionally smooth, and now, with the increased muscle, far less likely to be impeded in the paint, even by defenders that are five or six inches taller.

Cal will counter with their uncanny shooting prowess that ranks them 12th nationally in made threes per game at 10.1. They shoot 46 percent from the floor, which ranks 37th. At Haas Pavilion, the Golden Bears are 10-0 and their crowds are building as their 15-2 won-loss record gains notice.

Wyckoff, a year removed from a cancer diagnosis, and an intense regime with chemotherapy, is again enjoying the process, and the intense competition within the ACC that coaches crave.

“You’re preparing for opponents, you’re playing games,” Wyckoff said, in comparing her coaching career to a form of therapy.

“(Having that distraction) was a huge blessing. And an amazing staff supported me through it,” she said about last season before declaring that her chemo treatments have ended for now.

Cal Bears podcast with Morris Phillips: Cal offensive line needs to look out for the Miami pass rush this Saturday in Berkeley

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Cal Bears quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) gets dragged down by the Florida State Seminoles defensive lineman Marvin Jones Jr (7) at Florida State on Sat Sep 21, 2024. Cal’s offensive line will need to protect Mendoza all day Sat Oct 5, 2024 as the Miami Hurricanes have a potent offensive line in ACC action. (AP News photo)

On Cal Bears podcast with Morris:

#1 For Cal ESPN is hosting a Game Day visit which features lots of celebrities for a first time ever appearance at UC Berkeley coming this Saturday. This no doubt has to be exciting for Cal and alumnus.

#1 The Miami Hurricanes the Cal Bears next opponent. The Hurricanes are living up to their namesake and blowing away the competition at 5-0 in their last game they played a tight game with the Virginia Tech Hokies 38-34 but have been dominant against their opponents this season.

#2 Hurricanes quarterback Cameron Ward is throwing the football with much accuracy in his last game against the Virginia Tech Hokies went 24-38 for 348 yards with 4 touchdowns and was picked off two times.

#3 Cal dropped to 3-1 taking their first loss of the season against a struggling Florida Seminoles who picked up their first win. Cal quarterback Fernando Mendoza was 22-36 for 303 yards but didn’t throw for any touchdowns. Do you see him getting those kinds of yards once again but completing passes for scores will that be a question for this week as well?

#4 Miami has a very good pass rush against Virginia Tech but the Hokies also countered with putting pressure on the quarterback as well. Do you seeing Cal focusing on protecting the quarterback from the Hurricanes pass rush this Saturday.

#5 Morris, just wanted to get your prediction on this upcoming game as Miami comes calling this Saturday at Cal Memorial in Berkeley in ACC action between the Miami Hurricanes and the Cal Bears with that 7:30pm PT?

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

Cal Bears podcast with Morris Phillips: Cal hopes to get back in win column face Miami Sat Oct 5

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Florida Seminoles lineman Marvin Jones (right) drags down Cal Bears quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) in second half action at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee on Sat Sep 21, 2024 (AP News photo)

On the Cal Bears podcast with Morris Phillips:

#1 Morris, a tough difficult loss for the Cal Bears (3-1) to the Florida Seminoles last Saturday in Tallahassee in low scoring defensive game 14-9.

#2 The Bears really needed to scratch out a touchdown and they could have been able to get away with their fourth straight win but the Seminoles didn’t allow Cal one touchdown all game long.

#3 Cal had to rely on their kicker Ryan Cole to put the ball through upright three times for all their scoring twice in the second quarter and once in the third quarter.

#4 As opposed to the kind of game that Cal quarterback Fernando Mendoza had the previous week against San Diego State in a 31-10 win the Seminoles shutdown Mendoza’s passing game. Mendoza throwing 22-36 for 303 yard, and one interception. The Seminoles defense prevented Mendoza from getting the ball in the end zone.

#5 The Miami Hurricanes (5-0) will come calling Sat Oct 5 at Cal Memorial. The Canes upended South Florida last Sat Sep 21, 50-15 and on Sat Sep 29 the Canes did it again getting by Virginia Tech 38-34. Look out for Canes quarterback Cameron Ward who threw 24-34 for 404 yards and three touchdowns against So Florida. Also having a big day against Virginia Tech throwing for 343 yards and four touchdowns. The question is can the Cal defense stop Ward?

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

Florida State Says No To Cal Staying Undefeated, Wins 14-9 in Tallahassee

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By Morris Phillips

Cal knows how hard going 4-0 in the ACC is now.

Host Florida State wasn’t much better than they were in an 0-3 start, but this time, they didn’t fall behind, and they didn’t go away in a tense, gritty 14-9 win over the Bears.

D.J. Uiagalelei completed 16 of 27 passes for 177 yards, with the biggest connection coming with 11:08 remaining.  The 35-yard touchdown pass to Ja’Khi Douglas was the play of the game, allowing the Seminoles to regain the lead after they trailed for the first time, 9-7 late in the third quarter.

“I just tried to give him a good ball. Ja’Khi made him miss early. He had a good release and got separation, I just had to put a good ball, and he did the rest,” Uiagalelei said.

“When you play a team like Florida State with that much talent, you can’t make mistakes and expect to win,” coach Justin Wilcox said. “We had plenty of opportunities and couldn’t capitalize on it. They did, so they deserve credit for that.

Cal’s playmakers–quarterback Fernando Mendoza, Jadyn Ott, back from an injury absence and Mason Starling–played well, but playing well didn’t include scoring a touchdown.

Cal kicker Ryan Coe converted three of five field goal attempts, but four was the magic number. Coe missed from 36 yards in the third quarter after Cal ran 15 plays and put FSU on their toes to start the second half.

Coe missed again from 38 yards with 6:07 remaining while converting from 25, 29, and 51. Had the first year specialist converted either of his misses, Cal’s penetration on both of their concluding drives would have afforded Coe an opportunity to give Cal the lead with little time left.

Linebackers Cade Uluave and Teddye Buchanan combined for 20 solo tackles as Cal made sure the Noles would go a fourth consecutive game with no more than 21 points. Cal forced six FSU punts, and the Noles converted 7 of 17 third down opportunities. Nohl Williams added to Cal nationally-leading interception total of ten with his second quarter pick.

“We don’t want to be at this point scoring 14 points, but at the end of the day, a win is a win,” Uiagalelei said.

“We can’t dwell on this,” Uluave said. “We just have to put our head down and keep going.”

Patrick Payton keyed Florida State’s defense with three sacks and three more tackles for loss yardage. Payton’s pressure and the Doak Campbell Stadium crowd noise contributed to Cal’s offensive line woes. The Bears suffered two critical penalties in the red zone for a false start and delay of game.

The Bears’ first taste of ACC play and Cal’s first visit to Tallahassee seemed to measurably flummox both squads. Coe’s missed kicks and Cal’s 10 penalties displayed the visitors’ nerves. But the home crowd was subdued by Cal’s measured attack and consistent effort on defense.

The Bears host first place Miami and familiar face, quarterback Cam Ward on October 5 at Memorial Stadium in Berkeley.

ACC Weekly: Wary Golden Bears Commit to Grab Utensils Before Attempting To Eat The Picnic

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By Morris Phillips

SAN FRANCISCO–Successful college football coaches compartmentalize. That’s what they do: within the hyped-up world of rabid fan bases, blithering blitherers, realignment, and further talk regarding realignment, the big-time head coaches emphasize blocking assignments, play calling, and seizing and maintaining momentum within a game.

If the only thing that floats your boat is high-flying, cross-country storylines that zeros in on perennial, heavyweight squads losing for a second, third, or even a fourth, consecutive week, don’t tread here. Coaches and players don’t have time for that stuff, blitherers do. For seven plus seasons, Coach Justin Wilcox has always been among the best at keeping the main thing the main thing.

This is the week Wilcox and his unwavering focus really comes into focus.

The Bears play their first-ever ACC football game in a sold-out stadium in Tallahassee, Florida where the team, the coach and the quarterback are about to be run out of town without any wait til season’s end grace period. The Top 25 (for the first time since 2019) and the direct leadup to a bigger showdown in Berkeley on October 5 are at stake. Suddenly, and momentarily, everything is possible for Cal, including an ACC Championship Game berth, if they win.

Wilcox did say enthusiastically, that winning “would mean we went out and played our best game of the season thus far and had an opportunity to go 4-0. And so, as I mentioned, there’s only so many chances you get, and it’s going to be a great venue. We’ve never been down there before. Again, in a different place with some great players and coaches. So it’s an unbelievably exciting opportunity.”

Wilcox knows a great season can only achieve its beginning on September 21. He also knows a failed season starting Saturday could manifest a lot faster. So being level-headed and detail-oriented is what Wilcox is preaching.

“I think they’re a very, very talented football team. The games haven’t gone their way from one reason or another. We recognize how slim the margins are in playing great football and not great football. And they’re a very gifted team. They got really good coaches, and they’re a prideful outfit. So we know what’s in store, and we’ve got to be, we’ll have to play our best game, and our guys are expecting that.”

FSU hasn’t shown pride yet. In their opener, the Seminoles scored first, didn’t commit a turnover, and managed a slight edge in time of possession against gritty Georgia Tech. But the Noles’ defensive line got outplayed, and three lengthy scoring drives by Tech stood up in their 24-21 upset win.

Boston College made big plays early and led Florida State 14-6 at halftime. A deeper lethargy froze FSU’s offense in the third quarter, and they found themselves in an insurmountable hole before losing 28-13.  

Memphis led 20-3 halfway through the third quarter before DJ Uiagalelei and company started making plays. But that was too late, and the Noles fell to an unthinkable 0-3.

Uiagalelei obviously isn’t playing well; missing throws and an inability to stretch the field with deep balls are his biggest faults. But he needs help, and his teammates on both sides haven’t provided any.

“I think it’s a feel from the entire offense,” coach Mike Norvell said. “Obviously, DJ has to help that transition for him individually and offensively. We’ve got to make sure that we’re doing that. That’s something that we’re definitely working to make sure they have a heightened sense of awareness to the detail.”

On the heels of Boston College, especially, the Bears defense could again leave the Noles stuck in the mud. Defensive tackle Aidan Keanaaina, linebacker Teddye Buchanan, and corner Nohl Williams are Cal’s stars, but the entire defense has displayed a confident, veteran presence. The Noles rank second-to-last in rushing nationally with just 52 yards per game.

“They are very multiple in what they do, fronts, coverages they mix it up as good as we’ve played up to this point this year. They do a really nice job of just the effort, the passion, the energy. They are a big, long, physical defense,” said Norvell. “They’ve got good playmakers. They’ve done a really nice job in putting together a defense that plays to a standard, and those guys have been very opportunistic when that ball’s in the air.”

The Bears are hoping Jaydn Ott’s return will take pressure off quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who to date hasn’t had to win a game with his arm. Mendoza has completed 70 percent of his passes, and avoided mistakes, but can he maintain that ascent in a game that’s competitive in the fourth quarter on the road?

FSU stopped the run against Memphis, which ranks 90th nationally, but they weren’t stout against Boston College and Georgia Tech. DL Daniel Lyons, linebackers Blake Nichelson and Justin Cryer can make plays, but the third down efficiency has to improve. FSU is 124th in that category and they’ve been repeatedly unable to get off the field.

Norvell could position his young, talented secondary to make plays this week. KJ Kirkland and Conrad Hussey head a group that’s been sticky in coverage while improving each week.

Cal’s Nyziah Hunter will draw the most attention, he has 12 catches this season, four for touchdowns. Jonathon Brady, Corey Dyches, and slot receiver Maven Anderson have been active as well for Mendoza.

A close game feels inevitable between teams that aren’t blessed with explosive offenses. Turnovers will be key, as well as third down situations. Wilcox knows that means execution and belief will be paramount for his Bears.

 “(Won-loss) records are records but if you sit down in our offices and turn on the tape, you see what you see and you trust that, and our players do the same thing,” Wilcox said. “So we know how gifted they are and how good of coaches and scheme they’ve got. So we’re going to need to play great football on Saturday.”

Cal Bears podcast with Stephen Ruderman: Cal pays visit to Florida State against struggling Seminoles

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Cal quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) hands off to running back Jaivian Thomas (25) in the first half against the San Diego Aztecs at Cal Memorial Stadium in Berkeley on Wed Sep 18, 2024 (AP News photo)

On the Cal Bears podcast with Stephen:

#1 Cal makes his first visit to Florida State in their first ACC game at Florida State. The Seminoles have lost their last three games while Cal has won their last three games. It is the first meeting between the two teams in history.

#2 This will be Cal’s first visit to Florida since playing Clemson on New Years 1992 at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando on Jan 1, 1992. The last regular season game in Florida for Cal was in Miami on Sep 16, 1989.

#3 Cal is playing in the eastern time zone for the third time in seven seasons under coach Justin Wilcox it was in his coaching debut against North Carolina in 2017 and Notre Dame in 2022.

#4 Florida State has lost it’s last three games most recently last Saturday to Memphis State 20-12. The Seminoles have not executed the offensive plan against Memphis State on their own home field.

#5 Cal on a three game win streak won last Saturday handled San Diego State 31-10 a game you saw at Cal Memorial Stadium in Berkley. Cal quarterback Fernando Mendoza threw for 198 yards and two touchdowns in the win.

Join Stephen Ruderman for Cal Bears podcasts Thursdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Stanford Tops Florida State 70-60

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Brandon Angel of the Stanford Cardinal had a career day with 22 points and scored 18 points in the second half against the Florida State Seminoles at Orlando during the ESPN Events Invitational on Fri Nov 25, 2022 (photo from Stanford Cardinal)

Stanford Tops Florida State 70-60

By Barbara Mason

Friday afternoon the Stanford Cardinal (3-3) dereated the Florida State Seminoles (1-6) at the ESPN EVENTS Invitational in Orlando 70-60. This was a quick turnaround for both teams.

The Cardinal lost a close one with multiple opportunities to close this game out but too many mistakes and turnovers decided the game in favor of Ole Miss 72-68 on Thursday. Florida State has been struggling all season being blown out from the start of the game against the Siena Saints 80-63 also on Thursday.

The Cardinal defeated the Seminoles by ten points. The Seminoles were looking to beat a Pac-12 team after a horrendous start this season but the couldn’t capitalize on the Cardinal.

Florida State had a nice start in this game leading 8-0 after four minutes of play. Stanford made up the deficit and for the remainder of the first half it was a see-saw game with lead changes throughout. In the final minute of the first half the Seminoles took the largest lead since the opening minutes of the game 27-21.

The second half was close until the ten-minute mark. Stanford turned this game around and threatened to blow Florida State out of the building. With 6:18 left in the game the Cardinal led 60-47. Stanford was dominating the glass but still had those turnovers which were leveled with numerous offensive rebounds.

The Cardinal had a 16-2 run going with six minutes left in the game. Stanford struggled from downtown going 3 of 24 but had success in the paint and they kept Florida playing from behind in the final 12 minutes of play. FSU had 15 turnovers and looked nothing like a team that wanted this win. The Cardinal will play a third game on Saturday at the Invitational.

This was a great win for Stanford and it was the play on the glass that won this game. They were awful from downtown going 3 of 26 but it was the offensive rebounds and shots in the paint that kept them in the game ultimately winning.

Brandon Angels had a huge game finishing with 22 points. Harrison Ingram and Michael Jones each had ten points. Ingram and James Keefe both had eight rebounds.

The Seminoles Caleb Mills had the high with 16 points followed by Cam’ron Fletcher who finished with 12 points. So the quandary continues for Florida State. Right now the team is a mess; still looking for answers.

Stanford will now go into their third game of this invitational taking on the winner of the Nebraska Memphis matchup this evening. The Cardinal’s third game will be on Sun Nov 27th at 8:00 AM.

NCAA March Madness podcast with Michelle Richardson: Ewing, Hoyas get surprise loss to Colorado; FSU 10 pt win over UNCG; Stanford and Utah Valley women tip off tonight

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March Madness 2021 is the topic for Michelle’s NCAA basketball podcast (photo from LA Times)

#1 The Georgetown Hoyas (13-13) were expected to big the favorites in their game against the Colorado Buffaloes (20-7) on Saturday but pulled off a convincing 96-73 win to the disappointment of Hoya’s head coach Patrick Ewing.

#2 The Florida State Seminoles (15-5) pulled off a 64-54 victory over the UNC Greensboro Spartans (18-8) The Seminoles RaiQuan Gray led the Seminoles in scoring with 17 points. The Seminoles have had a great season now advancing as they are playing for their sixth first round win.

#3 Women’s first round basketball Stanford Cardinal (25-2) No.1 seed will match up tonight against No.16 Utah Valley Wolverines (13-6). The Cardinal are coming in with a 14 game winning streak. The Cardinal have not lost a game since Jan 22 to UCLA 70-66. The Wolves had a six game win streak going until they lost to Grand Canyon in the WAC Tournament 57-54.

Michelle’s Final Thoughts

Join Michelle throughout March Madness for podcasts each Sunday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com