Tag: NCAA MBB

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

Stanford Cardinal podcast Daniel Dullum: Stanford gets crushed by Virginia 70-55

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Virginia Cavaliers guard Sam Lewis (5) guards Stanford Cardinal guard Benny Gealer (5) at John Paul Jones Arena in Charlottesville on Sat Jan 10, 2026 (Stanford Cardinal photo)

Stanford Cardinal podcast Daniel Dullum:

#1 Ebuka Okorie came into Saturday night averaging over 20 points but was held scoreless in the second half — can you talk about what defenses he faced and how he tried to counter that?

#2 Benny Gealer scored 15 points, most in the first half — what adjustments did he try to make after halftime to sustain that scoring against Virginia’s defense?

#3 Eight players scored for Stanford Saturday night — how do you evaluate the bench contributions and what can be taken from Saturday night’s rotations moving forward?

#4 Stanford shot much lower in the second half compared to the first — what was the message at halftime and how did they try to get more efficient looks after the break?

#5 With this being Stanford’s first road loss of the season, what lessons will the team take from this performance as they head into ACC play back at Maples Pavilion?

Daniel Dullum does the Stanford Cardinal podcasts Sundays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Cal Bears podcast Michael Villanueva: Cal’s Ames sinks game winner to edge Notre Dame 72-71

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Cal Bears center Milos llic (8) takes the ball against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Logan Imes (2) at Haas Pavilion in Berkeley on Fri Jan 2, 2026 (Cal Bears X photo)

Cal Bears podcast Michael Villanueva:

#1 Dai Dai Ames had a strong offensive season coming in — how would you assess his impact Friday night both in scoring and tempo for Cal he finished with 23 points.

#2 Justin Pippen has been one of the team’s key playmakers — what adjustments did Notre Dame make to limit his effectiveness and how did he respond, Pippen finished with 14 points.

#3 John Camden was one of Cal’s most efficient shooters — what did you think about his shot selection and contribution on both ends tonight?

#4 Lee Dort with four points and 11 rebounds brings rebounding and interior presence — how critical was his work on the boards, and do you feel it set the tone defensively late in the game?

#5 Looking at role players like Semetri Carr with six points, how important was the bench production Friday night, and what can that depth mean moving forward in ACC play?

Michael Villanuevea is a Cal Bears beat writer and podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Cardinal clipped the wings of the Cardinals 80-76, Friday  Evening inside Maples

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Louisville Cardinals guard Ryan Conwell (3) dribbles against Stanford Cardinal guard Benny Gealer (5) during the first half at Maples Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Justine Willard-Imagn Images | Justine Willard-Imagn Images

By Michael Roberson

STANFORD, Calif. — The Stanford Cardinal (12-3, 1-1 ACC) garnered their first conference win, after an 80-76 victory over the Louisville Cardinals (11-3, 1-1 ACC) in a pleasant atmosphere on the Farm.

Stanford started the game off with a 4-0 run.  Louisville followed that with a 5-0 run of their own.  The Cardinal equaled that amount on their second points burst..  They were in the lead for 16:23 of the first 20 minutes of the game and half, while the Cardinals were on top for 1:48, while they were tied twice for 1:49.

The Cardinal shot a whole lot better in the first half, compared to their previous conference game.  They managed to shoot 46% from both the field and beyond the arc.  Although they shot a mediocre 56% from the charity stripe.  Stanford’s defense forced Louisville into an abysmal 38% from 2, and 19% from 3.  Their 78% from the free throw line helped keep them close at recess.

Another different scenario for the Cardinal was from their leading scorer Ebuke Okorie,  The freshman sensation had a total of two points at the half in the previous game.  In his second conference game, he garnered  14 points in the initial 20-minute half.  That doubled his total amount in the other game.

After all of that action, Stanford was ahead by one at halftime, 35-34.  Stanford had one player in double-figures, and that was the aforementioned Okorie (14).  Louisville’s Sananda Fru was close, with 9 points and 5 rebounds at the midway point of the competitive game.

The second half had an immediate lead change, as Louisville entered the second half down one, but went up two on a 3-point shot by senior guard Isaac McKneely, 16 seconds into the second stanza.  That would be the fifth of 18 lead changes in the back and forth conference clash.

Both teams shot better in the second half, and made significant runs to race in front of each other.  Although there were nearly 20 lead changes, Stanford held the advantage for more than three times as many minutes of gameplay.

The game was a “nail-biter” in the final minutes, as it could have gone either way.  However, the Cardinal made the correct plays and converted the free throws to seal the deal at the end of 40 regulation minutes of action.  Stanford prevailed, and won the game by four, 80-76.

Two Cardinal teammates joined Okorie (28) in double-digit scoring.  Chisom Okpara tallied 17 points and 8 rebounds and Ryan Agarwal contributed 12 points to the team’s total.

Four Louisville hoopers reached that plateau for the visitors from the Blue Grass State.  Ryan Conwell led them with 18 points and7 rebounds, Isaac McKneely (17) Sananda Fru chipped in 15 points and 8 rebounds, and J’Vonne Hadley offered 14 points and 7 rebounds.

The Cardinal will next be in action Wednesday, January 7, as they travel across  the Continental US to Blacksburg to take on the Virginia Tech Hokies at 4 PM PT local time on the ACC NETWORK.  The Cardinals head back to Kentucky Tuesday, January 6, to host the Duke Blue Devils at 7 PM ET on ESPN.

Stanford Cardinal podcast Michael Roberson: Cardinal need to regroup on offensive strategy; Stanford faces Louisville Friday

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Stanford Cardinal Chisom Okpara was the only player on Stanford in double figures as the Cardinal strugggled to get any offense going against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on Tue Dec 30, 2025 (Sports Illustrated file photo)

Stanford Cardinal podcast Michael Roberson:

#1 Chisom Okpara finished with 13 points and was one of Stanford’s leading scorers Tueday night — what adjustments do you think the team needs to make offensively after a tough shooting night.

#2 Ebuka Okorie came into the game as one of the nation’s top scorers but was held to seven points — what credit do you give Notre Dame’s defense?

#3 Oskar Giltay led Stanford with 11 rebounds — can you talk about his presence on the boards and how he might build a better transition offense off those rebounds next time?

#4 The team struggled with shooting efficiency overall — what specific areas (shot selection, ball movement, or spacing) do you feel most need improvement before your next ACC game?

#5 After playing a tough defensive battle on the road, how does Stanford keep the team’s confidence up and reset for the next game, especially after a frustrating offensive performance like this?

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

Spartans fall 81-68 in hard fought battle against San Diego State

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San Diego State University guard Elzie Harrington (3) guards SJSU Spartans guard Colby Garland (0) at Provident Credit Union Arena in San Jose Tue Dec 30, 2025 (SJSU Spartans photo)

By Ryan Hannagan

San Jose, Calif–The Spartans (5-7) entered the contest looking to snap a two game losing streak after falling at New Mexico, 88-65, and at home against Stanford, 86-82. San Jose State came in 4-2 on its home floor but winless against teams at .500 or better this season. The Aztecs, now 7-4, were playing their second conference game after opening Mountain West play with a loss to New Mexico.

San Jose State now 5-8 was without Javaughn Hannah, Ben Roseborough and Sadraque Nganga, further testing the Spartans’ depth against a physical Aztecs squad now 8-4 after defeating the Spartans 81-68 at Provident Credit Union on Tuesday night.

Turnovers plagued the Spartans early, allowing San Diego State to capitalize in transition. The Aztecs’ fastbreak offense helped build a double digit lead less than 10 minutes into the game.

San Jose State responded with a strong run midway through the first half, cutting what had been a sizable deficit down to a one possession game in a five minute span. The teams traded baskets down the stretch, though foul trouble emerged as a new concern for the Spartans. San Diego State went 9 of 14 from the free throw line in the opening half.

San Jose State forward Yaphet Moundhi left the game with just under three minutes remaining in the first half and did not return before the break. The Aztecs took a 42-38 lead into halftime.

Moundhi returned to the bench to start the second half but did not re-enter the game. Jermaine Washington opened the half with a 3 pointer to trim the Aztecs’ lead to one, setting the tone for a competitive second period.

Behind a scoring surge from Colby Garland, the Spartans tied the game at 49 with 14:30 remaining and briefly took a 53-51 lead shortly after. The game remained tight for more than 10 minutes, with neither team able to create separation.

That changed when San Diego State went on a key late run, pushing its lead to eight and halting San Jose State’s comeback momentum. The Aztecs maintained control from there, closing out the win.

Garland led a strong second half effort for the Spartans after a quiet opening half. San Jose State also excelled at the free throw line, shooting 94 percent as a team.

Despite the loss, the Spartans showed resilience, limiting turnovers and fouls while executing within their system. The effort, however, was not enough to overcome San Diego State’s late surge.

Stanford Cardinal podcast Daniel Dullum: Cardinal keep it going with 11th win 88-80 over CSUN

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Ebuka Okorie of the Stanford Cardinal takes the ball down the floor against the Cal State Northridge Matadors at Maples Pavilion on Sat Dec 27, 2025 (Stanford Cardinal X photo)

Stanford Cardinal podcast Daniel Dullum:

#1 The Stanford Cardinal picked up a key win improving their record to 11-2 and got the consistent offense that they’ve for most of this season staying on top of their visitors the Cal State Northridge Matadors (8-6).

#2 Daniel the Matadors started the first half going back into the dressing room at the half taking a 38-33 lead and maybe a shot at beating the Cardinal at home did they get too over confident or was Stanford just laying in wait to put this one away in the second half?

#3 Cardinal Ebuka Okorie led with 30 points. He was key in the Cardinal’s last game and he once again came through with another successful outing taking out the legs of the Matodors defense.

#4 The other Cardinal Chisom Okpara scored ten points less than Okorie with 20 and was second in scoring it was enough to help beat the Matadors by eight points to come away with a 88-80 win.

#5 Next up for the Cardinal the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Notre Dame had snapped a four game losing streak with a win on Sun Dec 21 over Purdue 72-69. The Cardinal are rolling, Daniel how do you see this match up Tue Dec 30th at Maples Pavilion.

Join Daniel Dullum does the Stanford Cardinal podcasts Sundays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Stanford Cardinal game wrap: Cardinal charged the Matadors 88-80, inside the Maples Pavilion ring

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Ebuka Okorie Stanford Cardinal guard takes the ball up the floor against the Northridge Matadors in NCAA action at Maples Pavilion on Sat Dec 27, 2025 (Stanford Cardinal photo)

By Michael Roberson

STANFORD, Calif. — The Stanford Cardinal (11-2, 0-0 ACC) ended their non-conference schedule with a convincing 88-80 victory over the California State University – Northridge Matadors (8-6, 1-1 Big West), Saturday Evening on the Farm.

CSUN got the scoring going in the Golden State battle with a single free throw conversion.  That slight lead was a theme for the first half and the Southern Californian guests.  The first 20 minutes was competitive, with six lead changes and three ties.

However, the Matadors dominated the time of leadership (17:20), despite the early back and forth scuffle.  CSUN shot 50% from both the floor and beyond the arc..  Stanford, on the other hand, was a putrid 36% from 2, and 17% from Threeland.  They also led by a high of 9 points, and had two significant runs (6-0 & 7-0).  While the Cardinal led by two for their highest  lead, but kept themself at a single-digit deficit (5) by recess, 38-33.

During the initial 20-minute block, only two players eclipsed the 10+ points plateau.  Chisom Okpara scored 14 points for the Cardinal, and senior guard Larry Hughes II put up an impressive 19 points, with five 3-pointers on a scintillating shooting clip.  Hughes is the son of former NBA player Larry Hughes.

After the intermission, the Cardinal went on a 13-0 run to start the second half in under two minutes of gametime play.  They went from trailing by five, to being up by eight in the blink of an eye.  Freshman sensation Ebuka Okorie was the key hooper to spearhead that TREEmendous push.  He more than doubled his first half output and made school history again in his brief tenure on the Farm.

Okorie’s 30 points marked the second straight game (32) for him amassing at least that amount of point production.  Last time it was done in 2010 by Landry Fields.  However, Fields was a senior, so Okorie is the only freshman to do the unprecedented Cardinal deed.

CSUN did not give up the fight, as they managed to be tied twice, and lost the lead change permanently.  Hughes II added a modest seven points to his total, but they needed a little more to take down the Tree.  Four other teammates contributed double-figure scoring, but it was not enough after the 40-minute time limit elapsed.  Stanford parlayed that second half explosion into an eight  points victory, 88-80.

Okorie led all players with 30 points, while Okpara aided his teammate with 20 points of his own,  Benny Gealer chipped in 13 points and five assists.  Ryan Agarwal delivered 10 points and eight rebounds to the Cardinal.

Hughes II topped the Matadors with his 26 points, while Joshua O’Garro (15), Davius Lowery (11), Mahmoud Fofana (11) and Josiah Davis (10) all did their part for CSUN.

The Cardinal will next be in action Tuesday, December 30 here at Maples hosting the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and opening ACC play at 6 PM PT on ESPN2.  CSUN will next play in 2026 as they travel to UC – Davis to take on the Aggies on New Year’s Day at 2 PM PT on ESPN+

Stanford Cardinal podcast Daniel Dullum: Okorie leads Stanford with 32 points in win over Colorado 77-68

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Ebuka Okorie (1) led the Stanford Cardinal in scoring with 32 points to help defeat the Colorado Buffaloes at PHX Arena in Phoenix for the Hall of Fame Series on Sat Dec 20, 2025 (Stanford Cardinal X photo)

Stanford Cardinal podcast Daniel Dullum:

#1 Stanford Cardinal (10-2) defeated a former Pac 12 school the Colorado Buffaloes (10-2) which were no pushover in Colorado and quite handedly in a nuetral site win for the Cardinal 77-68 in Phoenix.

#2 Cardinal guard Ebuka Okorie was lights out leading with 32 points. Okorie got fired up and the Buffloes just couldn’t shut him down regardless of double teaming him.

#3 The Buffaloes came away with a first half 35-33 lead it was the second half that the Cardinal had a breakout coming away with an 11 point 44-33 lead and that pretty much clinched it for Stanford.

#4 How much does this win on the road demonstrate that Stanford has jelled their game plan and doing it against a school who had lost only one game going into this one.

#5 Next up for Stanford the Cal State Northridge Matadors (7-5) Mon Dec 22 the Matadors have won five of their last eight games. This game will be at Maples Pavilion do you see the Matadors easy work for the Cardinal on Monday?

Daniel Dullum does the Stanford Cardinal podcasts Sundays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Cal Bears game wrap: Ames and Camden carry Bears to dominant 74-56 win over Columbia to end non-conference play

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Cal Bears forward Lee Dort (34) dribble drives against the Columbia Lions at Haas Pavilion in Berkeley on Sun Dec 21, 2025 (Cal Bears X photo)

Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025

Haas Pavilion, Berkeley, California

Columbia Lions (9-3)

California Golden Bears 74 (12-1)

By Stephen Ruderman

BERKELEY–Dai Dai Ames and John Camden dominated each half respectively, and the Bears crushed the Columbia Lions 74-56 to close non-conference play.

The Bears carried their 11-1 start into today’s game against Columbia Lions of the Ivy League. The Lions haven’t been shabby either, as they came in with a record of 9-2.

The opening minutes of this one were relatively quiet. John Camden hit a three with less than a minute in to open the scoring, but the game was tied 4-4 five minutes in.

Dai Dai Ames came through with a dunk and a jumper to give the Bears an 8-4 lead. When the halfway point of the first half approached, that’s when the Bears’ offense finally came to life.

In just under a minute and a half, Nolan Dorsey hit a three; Ames made a layup; and Chris Bell hit a layup and jumper in the paint. Suddenly, the Bears had opened up a 17-4 lead.

The remainder of the first half was mainly uneventful, though Mark Madsen stayed fired up the entire time nevertheless. The Bears went into halftime with a 28-16 lead. Ames dominated the first half with 12 points, and Bell was not too far behind with eight.

The Lions showed up with a little more fire in the opening minutes of the second half. The Bears’ lead remained between nine and 12 points until Camden hit a jumper with 13:15 remaining.

The Bears truly opened it up near the halfway mark of the second half. Dorsey made a layup, and Justin Pippen and Camden both hit threes to put the Bears lead at 56-35.

The Lions never gave up. They went on a 9-2 run to cut the Bears lead to 65-52 with 2:52 left. The Lions also played aggressive defense in the latter part of the second half.

However, the Bears still won easily by a final of 74-56.

The man who really came alive in the second half was John Camden. His three to open the scoring in the first minute of the game was his only scoring in the first half. Camden scored 14 points in the second, and 17 overall.

Camden’s 17 points were second to Dai Dai Ames, who scored 19. Ames scored seven points in the second half.

Now, the Bears will face a real test, as ACC play will get underway next week. The Bears dominated non-conference play, which featured many matchups against lesser-known schools.

The Bears’ first match in ACC play will be against the 11th-ranked Louisville Cardinals next Tuesday at Haas Pavilion. The Bears beat 18th-ranked UCLA in November, so they are certainly capable of going up against the elite teams. We will see next Tuesday.

Tipoff will be at 6 p.m.