Tag: NCAA

Spencer Jones’ Hot Hand and Cardinal Subdued the Huskies Trek through the Bay, 90-80

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The Stanford Cardinal (14) takes a jump shot against the Washington Huskies at Maples Pavilion in Palo Alto on Sat Jan 20, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Michael Roberson

STANFORD, Calif. — Senior Spencer Jones’ career-high 30 points & tied school record 8 Threes helped the Stanford Cardinal (10-8, 5-3 Pac-12) stave off the charging Washington Huskies (11-8, 3-5 Pac-12). 90-80 on a wet evening on the Farm.

Stanford converted the opening basket of the game within the first 15 seconds of play. However, Washing trumped that with a three to take their only lead of the game at 3-2 (19:28).

The Huskies attempted to get over the hump the rest of the half and beyond. They made 9 of the 10 free throw attempts, while the Cardinal had no gift shots. Stanford 7/15 3-pointers in the first 20 minutes, which superseded the FT disparity. Stanford was in front by as many as 13 points.

By the time the recess whistle sounded, the Cardinal had an eight point lead, 39-31. Neither team had a player reach the double-figure plateau. The Jones Brothers (Spencer & Michael) both had 8 points to lead the Cardinal, while the Huskies were led by junior forward Wilhelm Breidenbach with 8 points and 5 rebounds.

At the midway point of the contest, Spencer had a pedestrian two made treys. That changed dramatically over the final 20-minute stanza.

In the second half the Huskies continued to try and chip into the lead, but trailed by 14 late in the game. Every attempt to tie the game and/or take the lead, Spencer Jones had the answer.

Jones hit 6 three-pointers in the second half; even more so, timely shots. Washington was gaining momentum, and had possession of the ball down two. They didn’t convert, then Spencer drilled a Dagger 3 to stop them in their tracks.

Washington continued to attack their conference foes, barrage of bombs from threeland and 21 made free throws, exclusively in the second half, were too much for the hoopers from the Great Northwest.

At the final buzzer, the home team won by 10, 90-80, and put themselves in a good position in the conference standings.

Besides Spencer, three other teammates reached double digits in scoring. Kanaan Carlyle had 16 points and 5 assists. Michael Jones and Brandon Angel both contributed 13 points.

Washington offered to that category, including two with double-doubles. Keion Brooks Jr. (20 points/11 rebounds), Moses Wood (19), Breidenbach (12/10), Sahvir Wheeler (12) and Paul Mulcahy (10).

The Cardinal are next in action Friday, January 26, as they travel to Berkeley for Part 1 of the Battle of the Bay versus California at 7 PM PDT on FS1. Washington heads back to Seattle to host the Colorado Buffaloes on Wednesday, January 24 at 8 PM PDT on ESPNU.

Cardinal’s Bark Scratched off by Cougars, 89-75, Late Night on the Farm

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The Stanford Cardinal forward Maxime Raynaud (42) takes a jump shot over the Washington State Cougars forward Oscar Cluff (45) in the first half at Maples Pavilion in Palo Alto on Thu Jan 18, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Michael Roberson

STANFORD, Calif. — The Stanford Cardinal (9-8, 4-3 Pac-12) were overwhelmed by the aggressive Washington State Cougars, (13-5, 4-3 Pac-12) 89-75, on an 8 PM start time at Maples Pavilion.

Stanford never led in the game, and started the contest off being down 6-0 early in the first half.  Washington State led by as much as 16 points in the initial half, on runs of 6-0 and 13-0.

The Cardinal tried to keep it close in the initial half, and had several chances to tie the ballgame.  However, the Cougars utilized that large run to open up their widest margin, around the 4:00 mark.

Washington State managed to lead by 13 at halftime, 42-29.and presented two players in double figures.  Redshirt freshman guard Myles Rice had 16 points and 5 assists, while his senior forward teammate Isaac Jones scored 15.

Freshman Kanaan Carlyle was the only Cardinal player to eclipse 10+ points (11), as the team shot 44% from the field and committed 12 turnovers.  WSU only gave away the ball 1/3 of the amount of their Pacific – 12 opponents, and shot 51% themselves.

The second half was a similar story, as Washington State scored the first four points of the second half.  Immediately they were up by 17.Their largest advantage (19) came within the first six minutes of part two of the conference battle.

Stanford made many attempts to cut into the deficit, and managed to get it down to  single-digits (2:30) on a Michael Jones FT, 82-73 WSU.  Unfortunately for the Cardinal.the aforementioned Rice made an immediate layup. putting them back up by 11.  After two made free throws by Jaylen Wells, Rice hit his 5th and final three (5/10)  and the Cougars’ final tally of 89 with 42 seconds left in the game.

Cardinal sophomore guard Benny Gealer made a layup  shortly thereafter, notching his team’s 75 points.  WSU was in the position of taking a knee, the football equivalent of dribbling the clock out until the buzzer,  After that timeframe, the Cougars were the 14-point victors, 89-75 over the home squad Cardinal. 

The Cardinal were led in scoring by Kanaan Carlyle’s career-high and record breaking 31 points.  Maxime Raynaud helped out with a double-double (22 points & 10 rebounds) and Benny Gealer chipped in 12 points and dished 4 assists.

The Cougars were led by the electrifying Myles Rice’s impressive statline,  He scored a game-high 35 points, dropped 8 dimes and swiped 4 steals,  They also had three other players in double-figures.  Isaac Jones (24), Jaylen Wells (13), and Oscar Cluff (12) and 14 rebounds.

Stanford will be next in action Saturday, January 20, hosting the Washington Huskies at 6 PM PDT on the Pac-12 Network.  Washington State heads across the Bay to Berkeley to battle California on the same at 2 PM PDT, also on the Pac-12 network.

Note:  Kanaan Carlyle’s 31 points set a Stanford freshman record for most points by a first year player.  He also has the most points by a TRUE Freshman In the Pac-12 conference this season

Myles Rice’s 35 points is the most in the conference by an overall freshman, because he’s a Redshirt Freshman,

Cardinal Outpaced Runnin’ Utes, 79-73, in an Afternoon Conference Battle inside Maples

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Stanford Cardinal forward Maxime Raynaud (42) goes for a rebound against the Utah Utes at Maple Pavilion in Palo Alto on Sun Jan 14, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Michael Roberson

STANFORD, Calif. — The Stanford Cardinal (9-7, 4-2 Pac-12) impeded the progress of the Utah Runnin’ Utes (12-5, 3-3 Pac-12) 79-73 on a sunny day in the Bay.

Stanford junior forward Maxime Raynaud was the French Resistance and the NCAA version of the Stifle Tower, as he posted a game high 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 blocks, to propel his squad to a thrilling 3-point victory.  Three other Cardinal hoopers assisted in the huge effort with double-digit tallies: Brandon Angel (16), Michael Jones (15) and Kanaan Carlyle (12).

The game started off with the Runnin’ Utes going up 6-0 on two 3-pointers.  That turned out to be their biggest lead, although they made another 6-0 run in the first half, and actually led  more than 15 of the 20-minute period.  There were five lead changes and five ties, but the home team took the lead for only 33 seconds total, and by two (34-32) on a basket by Raynaud :06  before recess, which was the margin at halftime.

Raynaud paced the Cardinal with 12 points and five rebounds at the midway stanza of the game.  Also the only player on either team in double-figures.  Senior guard Ben Carlson led Utah with 9 points.

The second half started off with a bang for the Cardinal.  Brandon Angel opened up with a three-pointer, instantly increasing the lead to five.  They were able to increase that margin to as high as 12 points in the second 20 minutes.

However, Utah was not going to go down without a fight.  They scratched and clawed at the lead for a great portion of the half, but were not able to get over the hump on the road.

Their best opportunity was with just under four minutes left in the game, and they were at the free throw line with a chance to tie the game with a 1 & 1 scenario.  Utah missed the shot and Stanford converted a crucial 3 by the aforementioned Raynaud.  That was a 5-point turnaround that the Utes could not recover from.

Utah still tried to overcome the odds, despite missing another critical free throw, but Stanford stood tall and sturdy, as their mascot represents, and held on to the lead at the final whistle, 79-73 Cardinal.

Utah had three players in double-figures: Branden Carlson (14), Gabe Madsen (16) and senior guard Deivon Smith messed around and got a Triple-Double (16 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds).

The Cardinal will next be in action Thursday, January 18, hosting the Washington State Cougars at 8 PM PDT on the P-12 Network.  Utah returns to Salt Lake City on the same date to host the Oregon State Beavers at 7 PM MDT on ESPNU.

Tyson scores 30 to lead Cal to miraculous comeback win over Colorado 82-78

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Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024

Haas Pavilion, Berkeley, California

Colorado Buffaloes 78 (11-5 Overall; 2-3 Pac-12)

California Golden Bears 82 (6-10 Overall; 2-3 Pac-12)

Cal Bears guard Jaylon Tyson (20) celebrates guard Rodney Brown Jr (1) standing to their right is the Colorado Buffaloes guard KJ Simpson during second half action at Haas Pavilion in Berkeley on Wed Jan 10, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Stephen Ruderman

Magic struck tonight at Haas Pavilion, as Jaylon Tyson scored 30 points to lead the Bears to a miraculous 82-78 comeback win over the Colorado Buffaloes after the Buffaloes led the Bears by 20 points in the first period.

Following a well-fought win over the UCLA Bruins in Los Angeles Saturday night, the Bears returned home to host the Colorado Buffaloes, who came into tonight’s game at 11-4, but losers of their previous two games. It would be a tough match for the Bears, who are slowly proving that this season is very different from last.

The Buffaloes indeed proved to be a tough match for the Bears, as Colorado stormed out of the gate to a 10-0 lead in the game’s first two minutes and 41 seconds. Eddie Lampkin led the way with six of the 10 points, as Tristan Da Silva and J’vonne Hadley scored the other two.

Jaylon Tyson finally got the Bears on the board after hitting a pair from the line, but the Buffaloes did not let up. Colorado opened their lead up to 22-7 with 10:13 remaining in the first period, and they just kept going in what was an overall team effort, as a three by Da Silva made it 40-20 with 2:09 remaining.

Grant Newell and Rodney Brown Jr. closed out the first period for the Bears with threes, and Cal went into the half down 40-26.

J’vonne Hadley hit a layup for Colorado to begin the second period, and despite the Bears’ finish to the first period, the Buffaloes continued their onslaught after the half. Tristan Da Silva hit a three-ball to cap off a 10-5 run for Colorado, which opened their lead back up to 50-31, just two minutes and 42 seconds in. 

However, things started to slowly change. Fardaws Aimaq laid one in, and Tyson hit one from beyond the arc to make it 50-36. Hadley laid one in for Colorado to make it 52-36, but despite a quiet several minutes, the Bears’ kept slowly chipping away at Colorado’s lead.

Jalen Cone hit a three-ball, followed by a jumper by Tyson, and a three from Grant Newell. Rodney Brown Jr. then hit a three of his own, and suddenly out of nowhere, the Bears had somehow made it just a five-point game, as they trailed 52-47 with 11:24 to go.

Cody Williams hit a jump shot for Colorado to make it 54-47, but the Bears just kept coming. Tyson hit a three, followed by a jumper by KJ Simpson of the Buffaloes. Tyson then made a layup, followed by one from the line after he was fouled, and Tyson made another layup to make it 56-55. 

The Buffaloes then had a reprieve. Simpson hit a layup; Eddie Lampkin hit two from the line; and Da Silva hit a jumper to open Colorado’s lead back to 62-56 with 7:09 remaining.

As for the Bears, it was no problem. Keonte Kennedy hit a three-ball; Aimaq laid one in; and Jaylon Tyson slammed one down. Someway, somehow, the Bears had come all the way back from down 20 points to take their first lead of the night, as they led it 63-62 with 5:38 to go.

As the second period began to wind down, the two teams prepared for a bitter fight all the way to the end. Lampkin laid one in to put Colorado back ahead, and Tyson made a pair of free throws to put Cal back ahead. The teams kept the seesaw battle going. Da Silva hit a three to put Colorado back ahead; and Jalen Cone responded with a three to put Cal back ahead.

After the teams switched leads two more times, Lampkin was fouled, and made one of two from the line to tie the game at 70-70 with 2:59 remaining. 

Jalen Cone went for three, and missed, but Tyson got the rebound, and passed it back to Cone, who was good from downtown this time around to give the Bears a 73-70 lead with 2:33 to go. 

There would be no scoring for over a minute, but Jalen Celestine drew the foul, and hit both free throws to put a cushion on Cal’s lead at 75-70. 

The Buffaloes were not going to lose this game without a fight. Colorado responded with a 6-2 run, as Cody Williams hit a layup; drew a foul; and hit his free throw. Tyson slammed one down, but Da Silva, who ended up scoring 20 points on the night, hit one from beyond the arc to make it a one-point game at 77-76 with just 30 seconds to go.

The Bears handed the ball to their man, Tyson, and he drew the foul. Tyson hit both from the line, and then Cody Williams responded with a jumper to make it 79-78. The Bears then gave the ball to Jalen Cone, who drew the foul, and made just one of two from the line.

Down 80-78, the Buffaloes went to Da Silva, who tried to hit a three with four seconds to go, but it missed, and the ball was rebounded by Cone, who drew the foul. Cone hit both shots, and the Bears had completed the miracle, as they had come all the way back from down 20 points to win it, 82-78.

It was an unbelievable night, and yet another indication that the 2023-2024 California Golden Bears are much different from last season’s team that only won three games. In fact, they have already doubled their win total, as they improve to 6-10 on the season. They have also doubled their Pac-12 win total from a year ago, as they are now 2-3 in conference play.

The Bears won their first game at UCLA in nearly 14 years, and then they followed that up with a miraculous come-from-behind win against a Colorado Buffaloes team that had been off to a strong start.

Now, the Bears will head back on the road, this time to Eugene Oregon to play a very powerful Oregon Ducks team in their arena at 5 pm on Saturday. The Bears will once again have their work cut out for them, as the Ducks are 4-0 in conference play, and 12-3 overall. Whether the Bears will have yet another miracle in them remains to be seen.

Cal snaps plethora of losing streaks in 66-57 win at UCLA; Tyson leads the way with 22 pts for Bears

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The Cal Bears guard Jaylon Tyson (20) drives on the UCLA Bruins forward Kenneth Nwuba defending in first half action at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles on Sat Jan 6, 2024 (AP News photo)

Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024

Pauley Pavilion, Los Angeles, California

California Golden Bears 66 (5-10 Overall; 1-3 Pac-12)

UCLA Bruins 57 (6-9 Overall; 1-3 Pac-12)

By Stephen Ruderman

The California Golden Bears came into UCLA to finish their all-Los Angeles road trip with a 66-57 win over the UCLA Bruins to get their first conference and road win of the season behind 22 points by Jaylon Tyson, and the 10th double-double of the season for Fardaws Aimaq.

The Bears had dropped their last 19 games against Pac-12 teams, as well as their first three games against Pac-12 opponents this season. Now, they were heading into Pauley Pavilion, where they hadn’t won since 2010.

Cal won the opening tip, and it was apparent from the getgo that tonight was going to be different. After nearly two minutes of no scoring, Fardaws Aimaq laid one in as he was fouled, and hit the free throw to give the Bears an early 3-0 lead. Jaylon Tyson and Jalen Cone both hit threes to open Cal’s lead to 9-0.

Aday Mara finally got the Bruins on the board with a jumper five minutes and 14 seconds into the game. However, Aimaq hit a three to make it 12-2, and the two teams traded points throughout the remainder of the first period, as the Bears’ lead never fell below six points through the remainder of the period.

Cal went into the half up 32-23, and they kept things going into the second period. Dyson dunked one to start the scoring, and extend the Bears’ lead to 34-23. From there, UCLA dented Cal’s lead a bit, as an 8-4 drive by the Bruins cut the lead to 38-31.

However, the Bears bounced right back, and they responded with seven unanswered points. Jalen Celestine hit a three-ball, and Tyson hit a pair of free throws, as well as a layup to extend the Bears’ lead to 45-31.

The game continued to flow at a steady pace, as the second period progressed. Cal’s lead would not fall below seven, as the game entered its final four minutes.

From there, the Bruins started to make a bit of noise. A three-ball by Sebastian Mack, only the second three of the night by the Bruins, made it 59-51. Jalen Cone hit a jumper to make it 61-51, but the Bruins responded with a pair of free throws by Mack, and a layup by Adem Bona, which cut the Bears’ lead to 61-55, their shortest since the 11:58 mark in the first period.

The Bruins would not make it easy for the Bears, who were trying to break a whole assortment of losing streaks, but when Jalen Cone hit a three with 1:17 remaining to extend the Bears’ lead back to nine at 64-55, it seemed as if the game had just been put away.

Jalen Celestine hit a pair from the line, and Will Mcclendon hit a jumper in what was mostly an uneventful last minute, and the Bears held on to win it, 66-57.

The Bears get their first Pac-12 win of the season, and improve to 5-10 overall. This is Cal’s first conference win since they beat the Stanford Cardinal a year ago tonight on Jan. 6, 2023. This is also the Bears’ first road win since Feb. 12, 2022, when they beat the Oregon Ducks in Eugene, as they have finally snapped a 16-game game road losing streak.

The Bears will hope to keep up their momentum, as they will return to Haas Pavilion to host the Colorado Buffaloes at 8 p.m. Wednesday night.

Cardinal defeat cold-shooting Bruins 59-53

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UCLA Bruins guard Lazar Stefonovic (10) defends against the Stanford Cardinal guard Andrej Stojakovic (2) in first half action at Pauly Pavilion in Los Angeles on Wed Jan 4, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Daniel Dullum

Wednesday, January 4, 2024

Timely 3-point shooting by Andrej Stojakovic and Kanaan Carlyle in the second half put Stanford ahead, and the Cardinal hung on for a 59-53 Pac-12 men’s basketball win over UCLA Wednesday at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles.

Carlyle made a trey with 14:32 remaining to tie the game at 36-36. Nearly two minutes later, Stojakovic sank a corner 3 to put the Cardinal (7-6 overall, 2-1 Pac-12) ahead 39-36. Carlyle made another 3-pointer at 11:41, giving Stanford a 42-36 lead.

The Bruins (6-8 overall, 1-2 Pac-12) pulled to within three points three times, but got no closer. Spencer Jones sank two free throws with 24 seconds to play, giving the Cardinal their largest lead at 58-47.

Carlyle led Stanford with 17 points, four assists and two steals while making 3 of 5 3-point attempts. Maxime Raynaud grabbed nine rebounds.

Sebastian Mack was UCLA’s top scorer with 14 points, followed by Berke Buyuktuncel with 13 and Adem Bona with 12 points, nine rebounds and three steals. The Bruins led 30-26 at halftime and outrebounded Stanford 36-30.

The Bruins suffered through a horrendous shooting night. After starting the game hitting 8 of 9 from the field, UCLA wound up making 32.8 percent (19 of 58). UCLA had a 17-minute stretch, starting in the first half, where it made only three baskets.

Stanford visits Southern California on Saturday afternoon. Tipoff is at 1 p.m.

Stanford Cardinal podcast with Michael Roberson: Stanford hopes to continue offensive ways in UCLA Wednesday night

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The Stanford Cardinal were a scoring machine against the Arizona Cardinal on New Years eve at Maples Pavilion at Stanford (isiphotos.com)

On Stanford Cardinal podcast with Michael Roberson:

#1 Michael, how shocking was that win for the Stanford Cardinal win over the Arizona Wildcats Sunday at Maples in a 18 point 100-82 win.

#2 The Cardinal got some offensive help from Kanaan Carlyle with a leading 28 points his contribution kept Stanford ahead from the Wildcats who are known to have a talented offense of their own.

#3 Follow up to Carlyle was Spencer Jones with 21 points one of four players to finish in double figures. Michael you have to agree that the Cardinal did shock not only those in attendance at Maples but the Wildcats as well.

#4 From what you’ve seen Michael this is an improved team or did Stanford just have a game plan and was prepared for the Wildcats?

#5 The Cardinal hope to keep it up as they head to Pauly Pavilion in Los Angeles to face the UCLA Bruins. The Bruins lost five of their last seven games and this might be another opportunity for the Cardinal to get another win. Tip off 6pm PT on Wednesday night.

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

Bears collapse; Frankie Collins leads Arizona State to comeback win

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The Arizona State Sun Devils forward Kamari Lands (0) takes the ball up the floor and is guarded by the Cal Bears guard Devin Askew (55) and Gus Larson forward (31) in the first half at Haas Pavilion in Berkeley on Sun Dec 31, 2023 (AP News photo)

Sunday, Dec 31, 2023

Haas Pavilion, Berkeley, California

Arizona State Sun Devils 71 (8-5 Overall; 2-0 Pac-12)

California Golden Bears 69 (4-9 Overall; 0-2 Pac-12)

By Stephen Ruderman

Frankie Collins led the Arizona Sun Devils to another late comeback win over the Bears in, as Cal blew a 16-point lead, and then collapsed in the final nine minutes to fall, 71-69.

The Bears were looking to bounce back following a shellacking at the hands of the Arizona Wildcats in their Pac-12 opener on Friday night. Tonight, they welcomed in the Arizona State Sun Devils, who were coming off a late comeback win at Stanford Friday night.

The two teams traded missed shots before Jamiya Neal got the Sun Devils on the board with a jumper a minute and 18 seconds into the game. The Bears then jumped ahead on a three by Jaylon Tyson, followed by a jumper by Keonte Kennedy, and a layup by Fardaws Aimaq.

Tyson, who led the charge for Cal in the early going, hit a jumper and laid one in to give the Bears a 11-7 lead, followed by a jumper by Adam Miller for Arizona State to make it 11-9. Jalen Cone hit a three-ball to make it 14-9, and then the Sun Devils responded with a jumper by Shawn Phillips Jr., as well as a free throw made by Neal to make it 14-12 with 9:47 remaining.

The Bears then scored 10 unanswered points, Aimaq made one of two free throws; and Tyson hit a jumper, got fouled and hit the free throw. Tyson then dunked one in; Cone and Kennedy hit a free throw; and Aimaq laid one in to make it 24-14 with 6:53 to go.

The Sun Devils cut into Cal’s lead a bit to close it to 29-23 with 2:41 remaining, but the Bears were able to close out the first period on a high note. Aimaq dunked on Devin Askew hit a pair of free throws and Kennedy hit a jumper, as the Bears went into the half up 35-25.

Like the first period, neither team scored in the first minute of the second period; and just like the first period, the Sun Devils scored first, this time on a jumper by Frankie Collins.

Cal then scored eight unanswered points. Tyson and AImaq both hit threes, and Kennedy hit a jumper to open Cal’s lead to 43-27, their largest of the night. The score remained steady over the next several minutes, as the Bears led 54-39 with 9:40 to go, and 56-42 with 8:59 left to go.

However, the tides quickly turned. Kamari Lands hit a three for Arizona State; and Collins hit a jumper, which was capped off with a free throw after he was fouled on the play. That cut the score to 56-48. Collins then stole the ball, and passed it to Lands, who hit a three, as suddenly, it was just a five point-game at 56-51.

Tyson hit a pair of free throws, but Lands hit another three-ball to make it 58-54. The teams traded buckets, and after Jose Perez hit a jumper followed by a free throw for the Sun Devils, it was 62-61. Adam Miller was fouled, and hit one of two free throws to tie it at 62-62.

It was another blown lead for the Bears, who have blown some rather large leads early this season. It was also a familiar spot for the Sun Devils, who came back to beat Stanford late on Friday, and they were at it again tonight.

Frankie Collins hit a jumper to put the Sun Devils back ahead at 64-62. Aimaq hit a jumper, as well as a free throw after he was fouled to put the Bears ahead at 65-64. Collins hit a jumper, and Tyson hit a pair of free throws to make it 67-66.

Alfonzo Gaffney dunked one in to make it 68-67 with 43 seconds left, and Collins hit a jumper to make it 70-67 with just seven seconds left.

With the Bears in a position where they could tie it with a three, Jose Perez intentionally fouled Jalen Cone, who would only get two free throws, both of which he hit to make it 70-69. Collins then made a free throw, and all Tyson could do was try and hit a miracle three, which fell short. The Sun Devils won it 71-69.

Collins, who is from nearby Sacramento, and who had friends and family in attendance, stole the show, as he scored 25 points.

Tyson led the scoring for the Bears with 20 points, followed by Aimaq with 17.

The Bears fall to 4-9, and are off to an 0-2 start in conference play. They will now head to Los Angeles for a two-game road trip, as they will take on the USC Trojans on Wednesday night at 7:00, followed by the UCLA Bruins on Saturday.

Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Rich Perez: Raiders just can’t ring in the New Year with a win; Vegas loss in a nail biter 23-20 in Indianapolis

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The Indianapolis Colts cornerback Jaylen Jones without helmet puts the tackle on the Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (22) in the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sun Dec 31, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Rich:

#1 Rich, the Las Vegas Raiders (7-9) made a mad dash effort scoring a touchdown and a field goal in the fourth quarter but just couldn’t seal the deal against the Indianapolis Colts (9-7) in a narrow 23-20 loss at Lucas Oil on New Years Eve.

#2 Aidan O’Connell at quarterback for the Raiders threw for 299 yards, was 30-47 and two touchdowns a huge improvement over his performance against the Kansas City Chiefs last week on Monday Night Football.

#3 Wide receiver Davante Adams had himself a game with two touchdown catches going 126 yards and 13 receptions.

#4 The Raiders defense did a great job again and held the Colts to three touchdowns but the Colts got by with a fourth quarter field goal it was Matt Gay’s 45 yard field goal with 3:11 left in the game that proved to be the game winner putting the Colts up 23-13 at the time.

#5 It’s back to the drawing board for the Raiders as they return home to Allegiant Stadium Sun Jan 7th, after this two game road trip and host the Denver Broncos to close out the 2024 season. The Raiders would like nothing more than to finish the season with a win and the players have been very open about bringing back head coach Antonio Pierce for the 2024 season.

Join Rich Perez after ever Raider home and away game for the Raiders podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Cal Shellacked by Arizona in first game of conference play 100-81

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Arizona Wildcats guard Caleb Love (2) takes a shot against the Cal Bears Jalen Cone (left) in first half action at Haas Pavilion in Berkeley on Fri Dec 29, 2023 (AP News photo)

Friday, Dec. 29, 2023

Haas Pavilion, Berkeley, California

Arizona Wildcats 100 (10-2)

California Golden Bears 81 (4-8)

By Stephen Ruderman

The California Golden Bears were absolutely routed by the Fourth-Ranked Arizona Wildcats, 100-81, in their first game of Pac-12 play this season.

The Bears, who went an abysmal 3-29 last season, were off to a 4-7 start in non-conference play this season. Their first Pac-12 opponent would be one of the best teams in the country, the number-four Arizona Wildcats. To simplify it, it was over from the get-go.

There was no scoring for the first minute of the game, but afterwards, the Wildcats just unloaded, as they jumped out to a 24-5 lead just eight minutes and 12 seconds in, and eventually a 35-10 lead with 8:50 to go. The Wildcats’ defense also shined, as missed shots and a pair of turnovers burned the Bears in the early going.

The Wildcats kept the ramage up throughout the remainder of the first period. The Bears were simply just omermatched, and Arizona ended up going into the half with a 54-26 lead.

However, the Bears did put up a bit of a fight in the second period, as they started things off with a 17-9 run in just the first three minutes and 36 seconds. The Bears then kept a steady pace with the Wildcats the rest of the way.

The Bears outscored Arizona in the second period, 55-46, and for a team rebounding from an abysmal season last year to have a decent second period against a powerhouse like the Wildcats can be considered a small victory.

Jaylon Tyson led the scoring for the Bears with 22 points. Jale Celestine scored 14 points, and Fardaws Aimaq scored 10. However, the team also missed a lot of shots, as Tyson was 8-for-16.

For the Wildcats, Caleb Love scored 22 points; was 7-for-10 in field goals; and a perfect 3-for-3 from beyond the arc. Motieju Krivas scored 18 points, and Oumar Ballo scored 17, as both were 6-for-7 in field goals.

The Bears will take on the Arizona State Sun Devils at Haas Pavilion on New Years Eve Sunday evening. Tipoff will be at 5 p.m.