Cal Bears podcast with Michael Duca: Cal hopes to rebound from last week’s double loss on the road

Cal Bears forward Grant Newell (14) led Cal with 21 points in their last game against the Washington Huskies at the Alaskan Airlines Arena in Seattle on Sat Jan 14, 2023 (Sports Illustrated file photo)

On the Cal Bears podcast with Michael:

#1 18 games into a trying season, the Cal Bears have changed the discourse from losing to winning. But this one–with Cal in control for the majority of last Saturday afternoon–will sting. The Cal Bears led Washington the entire second half, only to lose in overtime 81-78.

#2 “We had every opportunity to win the game in regulation and just didn’t finish the plays, didn’t make free throws,” coach Mark Fox said. “When you have those opportunities, you have to seize them.”

#3 In overtime, the Huskies seized control, missing just one shot and leading the entire five minutes. Cal had an opportunity to tie the game at the buzzer, but Kuany Kuany’s 3-pointer was blocked.

#4 Cal led by as many as 11 points–with 10 minutes remaining, a showing spearheaded by Grant Newell’s breakout with 21 points, ten rebounds. Lars Thiemann added 13, and Joel Brown had 12 points, five assists.

#5 Cal returns to Haas Pavilion to face Oregon Ducks (10-8) on Wednesday at 7:00pm The Ducks have won five of their last eight games and coming into tonight’s game at Haas Pavilion Cal 3-15 and lost the last two game road trip to Washington State and Washington last week.

Michael Duca does the Cal Bears podcasts each Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Stanford Cardinal WBB podcast with Michael Roberson: Cardinal try to get over shock of losing to USC; Open 4 game homestand against Utah on Friday night

Stanford guard Haley Jones (30) and forward Brooke Demetre (21) grapple for a loose ball with Southern California guard Okako Adika (24) during the first half at USC in Los Angeles on Sun Jan 15, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the Stanford Cardinal WBB podcast with Michael:

#1 Southern California pulled off a major upset in women’s basketball Sunday, as the Trojans defeated No. 2 Stanford 55-46 in Los Angeles, snapping the Cardinal’s 12-game winning streak in the process.

#2 Destiny Littleton led USC with 18 points and six assists, Okako Adika scored 11 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, and Taylor Bigby and Kayla Williams scored nine points apiece as the Trojans (13-4 overall, 3-3 Pac-12) snapped a 14-game losing streak to Stanford.

#3 It was Southern California’s first win over the Cardinal (17-2 overall, 5-1 Pac-12) since the 2014 Pac-12 Tournament.

#4 Though the Cardinal held USC to 27 percent shooting from the field, the Trojans compensated by hitting 8 of 19 behind the arc and sinking 17 of 26 free throws. Stanford hit only 4 of 21 3-point attempts.

#5 The Cardinal return home on Friday to host No. 10 Utah, opening a four-game homestand at Maples Pavilion.

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

WSU hangs on for 60-59 win over Stanford

Stanford Cardinal Maxime Raynaud (42) is seen throwing down against the Utah Utes on Sat Dec 31, 2022 at Maples Pavilion in Palo Alto. Raynaud led Stanford in scoring against the Washington State Cougars at Beasley Coliseum in Pullman WA on Sat Jan 14, 2023 (photo by Stanford Cardinal)

By Daniel Dullum

Saturday, January 14, 2023

Stanford had a chance to land in the Pac-12 men’s basketball win column Saturday, but a pair of misses in the final three seconds enabled Washington State to hold on for a 60-59 victory at Beasley Coliseum in Pullman, Wash.

There were six lead changes in the contest. The Cardinal (5-12 overall, 0-7 Pac-12) cut their deficit to one on a Maxime Raynaud layup with 22 seconds to play. Following a defensive stop, Stanford had a final possession. Raynaud missed a 3-point attempt, and Brandon Angel’s putback rimmed out at the horn.

Stanford held a 34-31 lead at halftime, sparked by a pair of 9-0 runs. The Cardinal held their largest lead at 26-18 with 8:19 remaining in the first half.

Raynaud led the Cardinal with 16 points and eight rebounds, while Harrison Ingram and Spencer Jones scored 14 points apiece. Ingram registered a game-high nine rebounds and six assists, and Jones matched a career-high eight boards.

Andrej Jakimovski led the Cougars (9-10 overall, 4-4 Pac-12) with 17 points, followed by DJ Rodman with 15 points. WSU hit 22 of 48 from the field for 46 percent, including 10 of 27 on 3-pointers. The Cougars scored 12 points off of 10 Stanford turnovers.

Stanford held a 35-23 rebounding edge. The Cardinal shot 43 percent (22 of 51) from the field.

The Cardinal return home to face Oregon State on Thursday night.

Stanford Mauled on the East Side of the Bay by California, 92-70

Stanford Cardinal Michael Jones who led with 14 points drives up the lane against the Cal Bears at Haas Pavilion Berkeley on Fri Jan 6, 2023 (USA Today photo)

By Michael Roberson

BERKELEY, Calif. — The Stanford Cardinal (5-10, 0-5 Pac-12) are still winless in conference play after being slashed and bombed from the beyond the arc by the California Golden Bears (3-13, 2-3 Pac-12) at Haas Pavilion, 92-70.

The first half was pretty competitive the entire 20 minutes, with eight ties and two lead changes being a major component.

However, California managed to take a nine-point lead, and held an advantage of eight at intermission, 45-37.  Stanford led by four at one point of the session, but played catch-up most of the time.

Cardinal sophomore forward Maxime Raynaud tried to keep the game close with his 10 points and six rebounds contribution, while the Golden Bears were paced by senior guard DeJuan Clayton’s 14 points.

In the second half Stanford fell farther behind quickly, at the paws of the homesteading Bears by as many as 23 points.  California eventually closed the contest out by 22 points and shot a scintillating 73% from behind the three-point line, resulting in a final score of 92-70, California.

Despite the 20+ points loss, the Cardinal managed to shoot over 50% from the field and have four players score in double-digits: Senior guard Michael Jones topped the squad with 14 points,  Raynaud (12 points & 8 rebounds), senior forward Spencer Jones (13) and Isa Silva (12).

The Golden Bears had three players score in double-figures and simultaneously converting 14 of the team’s 16 made threes.  Clayton led all scorers with 26 points (6) and 6 assists.  Sophomore forward Sam Alajiki tallied 19 points (5) and senior forward Kuany Kuany offered 18 points (3) and 5 rebounds.

Stanford travels to Seattle to try and get their first conference win versus the Washington Huskies, Thursday, January 12, while California also treks to the Evergreen State, Pullman, to take on the Washington State Cougars Wednesday, January, 11.

Stanford Cardinal podcast with Michael Roberson: Big Game Friday as Cal hosts Stanford at Haas Pavilion

The Stanford Cardinal forward Spencer Jones (14) who led all scorers on Sat Dec 31, 2023 against the Utah Utes takes a shot against the Utes center Branden Carlson (35) (photo by Stanford Cardinal MBB)

On Stanford Cardinal podcast with Michael Roberson:

#1 It wasn’t a rocking New Years eve for the Stanford Cardinal (5-9) last Saturday as the visiting Utah Utes (11-4) defeated the Stanford Cardinal 71-66 at Maples Pavilion.

#2 Michael, the Cardinal who were down by as much as double digits closed in the Utes lead within two but couldn’t seal the deal.

#3 Despite the Cardinal making a charge and closing the game to just two points that speaks to the Utes defense and they were able to bring up the score to five points over the Cardinal to pull away from the Stanford surge.

#4 All things considered the Cardinal Spencer Jones led with 16, Isa Silva 11, and Max Murrell 10, these three players played key roles in the Cardinal keeping up with the Utes in that second half.

#5 Michael it’s off for the Big Game at Cal Berkeley you’ll be on hand covering the Cardinal and our very own Morris Phillips will be doing coverage for our page on the Cal Bears (2-13). The Cardinal go into Berkeley having lost three of their last five games and Cal has won two of their last three games. Michael tell us how you see the outcome of this game on Fri Jan 6th.

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

Cardinal women dominate in 101-69 win over ASU

Stanford guard Indya Nivar, right, celebrates with forward Cameron Brink after scoring against Arizona State during the first half at Maples Pavilion in Palo Alto on Sat Dec 31, 2022 (AP News photo)

By Daniel Dullum
Saturday, December 31, 2022

Hannah Jump sank three early 3-pointers, and the Cardinal post players dominated inside from start to finish for No. 2 Stanford, setting the pace for the Cardinal’s 101-69 women’s basketball win over Arizona State Saturday at Maples Pavilion.

It was the eighth consecutive win for the Cardinal (14-1 overall, 2-0 Pac-12), who opened the game with a 22-5 run. ASU shot 4-for-20 from the field in the first quarter and never recovered.

Jump eventually made six 3’s en route to a 20-point night. Cameron Brink celebrated her 21stbirthday by scoring 17 points, to go with 14 rebounds, four assists and two blocked shots. Haley Jones had 16 points, seven rebounds and two steals.

Tyl Skinner led the Sun Devils (7-6 overall, 0-2 Pac-12) with 20 points, followed by Treasure Hunt with 19. Hunt is a transfer from Kentucky.

Stanford is ranked No. 2 for the 21st straight week, going back to last season. The Cardinal women have won nine straight games since losing in overtime to defending national champion South Carolina on Nov. 20.

The Cardinal have won 50 straight games against unranked opponents.

Stanford hosts Arizona on Monday, then travels to Berkeley on Jan. 8 to face California at Haas Pavilion.

Stanford Loses In Final Seconds to Colorado 73-70

Stanford guard Michael Jones, left, vies for the ball against Colorado forward Tristan da Silva during the second half at Maples Pavilion in Palo Alto on Thu Dec 29, 2022 (AP News photo)

Stanford Loses In Final Seconds to Colorado 73-70

By Barbara Mason

Thursday evening the Stanford Cardinal (5-7) took on the Colorado Buffaloes (8-5) at Maples Pavilion. Colorado is back at full strength with Luke O’Brien and Lawson Lovering returning to the rotation. The Cardinal are struggling and took full advantage of a long holiday break trying to come up with a game plan that will bring them more success.

The Cardinal got to rest and reorganize getting ready for the next 18 Pac 12 Conference games. If Stanford wants to make a run for the NCAA Tournament they have the challenge of winning at least 14 of those games if not even more. The Cardinal have not played in a March Madness since 2014. They lost in the last few seconds of Thursday’s contest 73-70 to the Buffaloes to start the two game homestand.

Colorado took an early lead in the first half. They led at one time 17-8. The Cardinal came roaring back to pull to within one point 17-16 with 10:30 left in the half. Stanford took their first lead 19-17 when Spencer Jones hit a shot from downtown. Stanford had momentum going leading 28-21 before letting the Buffaloes back in the game.

With under five minutes left in the opening half Colorado had tied the game at 28. The Cardinal had eight turnovers which hurt them. The Cardinal were using their size to punish Colorado on the glass. This put tremendous pressure on the Buffaloes. After the slow start the Cardinal had really turned this game around. The pace of this game had turned up a notch in the closing minutes. After the first 20 minutes of play Stanford led 37-33.

In the first half both teams were shooting over 50% on the floor. Spencer Jones had 17 points in the half and was three of six from beyond the arc. KJ Simpson had 13 points for the Buffaloes.

With under four minutes left in the game the Cardinal had held onto the lead the entire second half. They had cashed in on a couple of Colorado turnovers. With 3:45 left on the clock Stanford led 68-64. With a lot of time in the second half this was still anybody’s game.

This was a one point game more often than not in the final minutes. With 2:04 left Colorado took their first lead of the second half 69-68. At 0.28 seconds remaining Stanford was clinging to a 70-69 lead. The Buffaloes took the lead 71-70 and Stanford had 0:17 to win this game.

The Cardinal would foul sending Colorado to the line. Stanford had led for the majority of the game but when push came to shove they could not finish. Colorado comes away with the win.

Stanford’s Spencer Jones finished with 25 points. KJ Simpson had an amazing game with 31 points for the Buffaloes. This game went right down to the wire but Colorado had just enough to power past the Cardinal.

On Saturday Dec 31st the Stanford Cardinal will host Utah. Tipoff is scheduled for 1:00 PM.

Stanford Cardinal basketball podcast with Daniel Dullum: Cardinal defeat Loyola in Santa Cruz Thursday night; Stanford women host Cal Friday

Stanford women celebrate their 13th win over the Creighton Blue Jays at Maples Pavilion on Tue Dec 20, 2022 in Palo Alto (@StanfordWBB photo)

On the Cardinal podcast with Daniel Dullum:

#1 Daniel, Sister Jean’s essence back in the Windy City wasn’t enough to prevent the Stanford Cardinal (5-7) from downing Loyola Chicago Ramblers (6-6) inside Kaiser Permanente Arena, 75-62.

#2 Daniel, The Cardinal meant business in the first 20 minutes of play, by going on an 8-0 run and leading by 17 points at the half, 37-20.

#3 The Stanford increased the advantage to 21 points early in the second half, and cruised in Santa Cruz to the final horn for an impressive victory south of of the Farm, 75-62

#4 Daniel, Stanford women’s head coach Tara Van Derveer was hoping to give her starters a rest but the Cardinal ran into trouble in the second half and the starters had to come in off the bench.

#5 Stanford’s (13-1) Haley Jones had 16 points and eight assists in 37 minutes against Creighton (8-4), freshman Talana Lepolo got her season second best with 17 points. No.2 Stanford beat Creighton No. 21, 72-59 on Tuesday night.

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

Stanford Cardinal basketball podcast with Michael Roberson: Cardinal host Green Bay at Maples on Friday night

Taking it to the Max: Stanford Cardinal forward Maxime Raynaud (42) and forward Max Murrell scramble with the basketball with Arizona Sun Devils guard DJ Horne (0) in Tempe AZ on Sun Dec 4, 2022 in Pac 12 Conference play (photo by Stanford Cardinal)

On the Cardinal podcast with Michael Roberson:

#1 Michael the Stanford Cardinal (3-6) are coming off a heartbreak loss against the Arizona Sun Devils (8-1) in a four point loss 68-64. The Cardinal lacked a couple of buckets to get a shot at the win column but the Sun Devils have been a tough customer all season long winners of eight games.

#2 Michael, one thing the Cardinal have been able to depend on is they are getting production from their shooters we’ll take each player at a time starting with Spencer Jones who finished at the top of the leaderboard with 13 points against ASU.

#3 There’s the always quick to the basket and accurate forward Harrison Ingram head coach Jerod Haase says he likes some of things that Ingram can do on offense.

#4 Guard Michael Jones finished second in scoring against the Sun Devils on Sun Dec 4th with 12 points, Jones is averaging 10.4 pts, 3.0 rebounds, with 2.2 assists. He’s been getting his share of shots of late.

#5 Michael, I know we talked about the Green Bay Phoenix (2-8) the Cardinal’s next non conference game slated for this Friday at Maple Pavilion. The Phoenix are a struggling team they’ve won only two games and Stanford has won only three. The Cardinal have the hone floor how do you see this game shaking out?

#6 Michael wishing you a Happy Birthday it’s been a big birthday present for us to have you do Stanford basketball podcasts for us this season.

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

Late rally lifts Sun Devils past Cardinal men 68-64

Arizona State guard Desmond Cambridge Jr. (4) shoots over Stanford forward James Keefe (22) for a basket during the second half at ASU Tempe AZ on Sun Dec 4, 2022 (AP News photo)

By Daniel Dullum
Sunday, December 4, 2022

Arizona State used a late second half run to overtake Stanford 68-64 Sunday in Pac-12 men’s basketball at Desert Financial Arena in Tempe, Ariz.

Arizona State took a 32-21 halftime lead. Then, the Cardinal (3-6 overall, 0-2 Pac-12) forged a 13-2 run early in the second half and added a 10-2 run to take their first lead since the opening minutes of the game. Michael Jones sank a pair of free throws to put Stanford up 52-51 with 5:12 remaining in the second half.

Desmond Cambridge Jr. converted his steal into a layup less than a minute later to put the Sun Devils (8-1, 2-0) ahead to stay at 52-51. That play ignited a 13-4 run, capped by a Frankie Collins step-back 3-pointer, that gave ASU a 64-55 lead with 50 seconds to play.

Desmond Cambridge Jr. led the Sun Devils with 19 points. His brother, Devan Cambridge, added 12 points on 5-of-7 from the field. Collins contributed 11 points for ASU, and Warren Washington had a game-high 10 rebounds.

Spencer Jones was Stanford’s top scorer with 13 points, but also fouled out with 1:35 to go. Michael Jones and Harrison Ingram were next for the Cardinal with 12 points each and Maximer Raynaud added 10 points. Ingram also grabbed five rebounds to go with five assists, three steals and a blocked shot.

Spencer Jones and James Keefe each had six rebounds, as the Cardinal held a 35-33 edge on the boards. Brandon Angel had five rebounds and four assists, Michael Jones had three of Stanford’s 10 steals and Max Murrell added three blocks.

The Cardinal don’t play again for almost two weeks before returning to action against Green Bay on Dec. 16 at Maples Pavilion.