Tag: NCAAM

Cal Bears/NCAA Tournament podcast Morris Phillips: Cal-MS State meet in the 4-Spokane Saturday in LA

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Notre Dame guard Sonia Citron (top right), forward Liatu King (left), battle for the ball with the Cal Bears forward Ugonne Oniyah bottom right in the ACC quarterfinals in Greensboro NC Fri Mar 7, 2025 (AP News photo)

On Cal Bears podcast Morris Phillips:

#1 Cal is in their first March Madness since 2019 and will be in the 4-Spokane. The Bears are No.8 as they face No.9 Mississippi State on Saturday for a 2:30pm PDT tip in Los Angeles.

#2 The Bears will be playing in a familiar place at USC Galen Center. Would it help playing in a building they used to go to every year?

#3 Cal head coach Charmin Smith said, “I’m thrilled” said Smith “I’m just really excited. We did a lot of work to get to the NCAA Tournament. I think we can bring a lot of fans to Southern California and it’ll be a great matchup.”

#4 Cal who had a 25-8 season celebrated at a watch party last Saturday. This is Cal’s best record since 2012-13 Cal had finished 32-4 that season.

#5 Cal took a tough loss to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the second round 73-64. Cal was the seventh seed in that tournament. The looking to rebound against Mississippi State Saturday. The Bulldogs are 21-11 and 6-6 on the road.

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

Stanford Cardinal podcast Michael Roberson: Cardinal can’t get over the buzzer beater shock to Louisville

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Oziyah Sellers guard (4) for the Stanford Cardinal goes up for the high percentage shot against the Louisville Cardinals guard Chucky Hepburn (24) at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte NC on Thu Mar 13, 2025 (Stanford Cardinal X photo)

On the Stanford Cardinal podcast Michael Roberson:

#1 Stanford Cardinal were up for the Louisville Cardinals on Thursday night only to lose it on a Chucky Hepburn buzzer beater at the Spectrum Center on Thursday night 75-73. The Cardinal record falls to 20-13.

#2 For Stanford leading scorer Oziyah Seller with 22 points and made seven of 12 field goal attempts and four out six 3 pointers. Oziyah also had four rebounds, three assists had three steals which is a career high.

#3 The Stanford effort was all there in this heartbreaker, Maxime Raynaud scored 17 points, Ryan Agarwal had 11 points and Chisom Okpara had ten points.

#4 This is the first time the Cardinal had lost on a buzzer beater since Feb 27, 2010. The Arizona Wildcats LaMont Jones shot was the game winner as time run out.

#5 One of the amazing parts about this game Stanford who had lost previously to Louisville by 20 points was a prepared team and battling team that kept it close all game long and even had a 15 point lead at 14:36 only to see it melt away with 5:40 left in the game by just one point.

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

Stanford Cardinal podcast Michael Roberson Wed Mar 12, 2025: Raynaud and Blakes lead Cardinal to 78-73 win over Cal; Stanford faces Louisville tonight in round 3

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Stanford Cardinal Chisom (10) pins the Stanford decal on the NCAA bracket after defeating the Cal Bears at the Greensboro Coliseum Complex in Greensboro NC after the second round of the ACC Tournament on Wed Mar 12, 2025 (Stanford Cardinal X photo)

Stanford Cardinal podcast with Michael Roberson:

#1 The Stanford Cardinal (20-12) defeated the Cal Bears (14-19) in five point win 78-73. Both teams were dealing but Stanford was able to be the last team standing as the Cardinal advance in the ACC Tournament,.

#2 The Cardinal had a six point edge on Cal in the first half 38-32 In the second half the Bears had the edge with a 41-40 lead but couldn’t catch the Cardinal in the end.

#3 Stanford’s Maxime Raynaud scored 23 points and Jaylen Blakes had 21 points to supply the offense for Stanford.

#4 Cal’s Mady Sissoko was hit for a blocking foul when he tried to set up a screen with Addrei Stojakovic with 6.9 seconds left in the game. Raynaud was fouled by Cal and Raynaud went to the free throw line with five seconds left to give Stanford the lead for keeps.

#5 With the win Stanford now advances to face the Louisville Cardinals. at 4:00pm PDT in Charlotte NC at the Dale F Halton Arena. Stanford last faced Louisville last Sat Mar 8 where they were defeated by 20 points 68-48. How do you see this match up on Thursday night.

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

Stanford Cardinal podcast Michael Roberson: Cardinals take out Cardinal 68-48 to close out regular season in Louisville

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Louisville Cardinals guard Chucky Hepburn (24) takes a shot over Stanford Cardinal forward Aidan Cammann (52) in the second half at the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville on Sat Mar 8, 2025 (AP News photo)

On the Stanford Cardinal podcast with Michael Roberson:

#1 Louisville Cardinals (25-6) basketball are a force to reckon with after winning their ninth straight game against the Stanford Cardinal (19-12) by a whopping 20 points 68-48 earlier today in Louisville.

#2 Louisville’s Terrence Edwards Jr and Chucky Hepburn had 16 points each they were two that the Cardinal defense had trouble stopping.

#3 One of the struggles for the Cardinal was that they went without a basket for eight minutes and missed 11 shots in a row. The Cardinals went on a 14-1 run and took a 29-11 lead.

#4 Stanford forward Maxime Raynaud was the only Cardinal to finish in double figures with 17 points. The Cardinal needed offense from Jaylen Blakes with five points, Oziyah Sellers eight points, Chisim Okpara eight points, and Ryan Agawal with seven points.

#5 Michael from what you have seen from today’s game the 20 point loss, the struggles from the defense, Raynaud being the only player in double figures. Going forward what adjustments will the Cardinal need when facing these Goliath teams.

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

Cal Women Play Big: Bears Win ACC Tournament Opener 75-58 Over Virginia

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Cal Bears Marta Suarez is double teamed by the Virginia Cavaliers in ACC Tournament action in Greensboro NC on Thu Mar 6, 2025 (Cal Bears X photo)

By Morris Phillips

The Bears’ 30 points in the first 13 minutes of their ACC Tournament opener emphatically stated that they were more than happy to participate in a conference tournament 3,000 miles from campus.

And from that point, things got better still.

“I was really proud of how we started the game,” coach Charmin Smith said. “We came out with the intensity that we needed and were able to jump on Virginia right away and then kind of never looked back.”

The Cal women played fast from the start, and were forceful in getting the ball into Michelle Onyiah against a Cavaliers’ defense that was light in the post. The higher-seeded Bears hit just two 3-pointers in their opening run, but finished with nine, which demonstrated how their early aggressiveness opened up their complete attack.

Four Bears finished with double digits in points, including Lulu Twidale, Marta Suarez and Onyiah, who each scored 16. Cal again enjoyed a healthy edge on the glass, outrebounding Virginia 46-28.

The Bears advance to Friday’s quarterfinal round and a meeting with Notre Dame at 2pm.

Virginia was led by Kymora Johnson with 18 points and Paris Clark with 15. They finish the regular season at 17-15 and will be eligible for an invitation to the WNIT.

Stanford Cardinal podcast with Michael Roberson: Cardinal and Cardinals face off in Louisville Saturday in regular season finale

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Stanford Cardinal Maxime Raynaud goes up for the finger roll against three Notre Dame Fighting Irish defenders at the Purcell Center at Notre Dame (Stanford Cardinal X photo)

Stanford Cardinal podcast with Michael Roberson:

#1 It was a tough, tough loss for the Stanford Cardinal (19-11) who got edged by a very competitive and competent Notre Dame Fighting Irish club (13-17) 56-54 at the Purcell Center at Notre Dame.

#2 Stanford’s Maxime Raynaud led with 20 points and every one of those points made the difference in a tight game like this despite the two point loss.

#3 Stanford Jaylen Blakes followed up Raynaud in scoring with 13 points he’s had a great season and has been key for some of the Cardinal wins this season.

#4 Stanford’s Benny Gealer was third in scoring with 11 points and was valuable when you consider the Stanford nearly came back to win the game and getting outscored by the Irish in the second half 35-30.

#5 The Cardinal next up face the Louisville Cardinals in Kentucky this Sat Mar 8th for a 11:00AM PDT. Louisville are third in the ACC at 24-6. 13-3 at home and have won eight in a row. The Cardinal are seventh and are struggling on the road at 3-7.

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

Golden Bears upend Boston College 82-71 in final home game

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Cal Bears center Mady Sissoko (12) who led with 21 points and 15 rebounds against the Boston College Eagles at Haas Pavilion in Berkeley on Sat Mar 1, 2025 (Cal Bears X photo)

By Daniel Dullum

Saturday, March 1, 2025

California pulled away in the second half at Haas Pavilion Saturday, as the Golden Bears earned an 82-71 Atlantic Coast Conference victory over visiting Boston College.

Mady Sissoko registered career highs with 21 points and 15 rebounds to lead Cal (13-16 overall, 6-12 ACC). Sissoko was 9-of-10 from the field and sank 3-of-4 free throws. Jovan Blacksher Jr. was next with 18 points, Andrej Stojakovic had 15 points and Jeremiah Wilkinson added 14 points.

Boston College (12-17 overall, 4-14 ACC) had three players score in double figures, led by Donald Hand Jr. with 18 points, followed by Luka Toews with 14 and Dion Brown with 12 points and 10 rebounds.

Cal outrebounded the Eagles 40-36. The Golden Bears shot 49.2 percent (30 of 61) from the field, including 7 of 18 on 3-pointers. BC hit 39 percent on 25 of 63 shooting – 4 of 14 behind the arc. Cal dominated in the paint 38-28 and points off turnovers were even at 14-14.

California opened the game with a 13-2 run. The Eagles took their first lead at 46-45 with 14:31 to play, as Hand had seven points during a 13-1 run.

Stojakovic and Wilkinson each sank a 3-pointer to spark an 11-0 Cal run, allowing the Golden Bears build a 72-60 lead with 3:59 remaining. Sissoko scored the last five points of that run.

BC committed 11 turnovers, and Cal had more turnovers (13) than assists (11).

The Golden Bears visit Louisville on Wednesday. Tipoff is at 6 p.m.

Stanford Cardinal podcast with Michael Roberson Sat Mar 1, 2025: Cardinal open up road trip with 2 games left; Tip off against Notre Dame Wednesday night

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All SMU Mustangs guard Chuck Harris (3) and forward Matt Cross (33) can do is just look as the Stanford Cardinal forward Donavin Young (3) goes for the throw down at Maples Pavilion in Palo Alto on Sat Mar 1, 2025 (Stanford Cardinal X photo)

Stanford Cardinal podcast with Michael Roberson

#1 Big win for the Stanford Cardinal (19-10) they pick up their fourth win in their last six games defeating the SMU Mustangs (21-8) this win coming at Maple Pavilion in Palo Alto earlier today.

#2 Stanford’s Maxime Raynaud played hero again with a game winning slam dunk with 8.7 second left in the ball game as the Cardinal just got by the Mustangs in a tag team game 73-68.

#3 The Mustang ran off a 13-0 score after they were down ten points and took the lead 60-57 in the middle of the second half. Chuck Harris with 3:35 left in the game hit a jump shot and it was the last of the Mustang’s 68-67 for the rest of the contest.

#4 With the Mustangs missing their last four shots and turning over the ball over in a critical situation the Cardinal turned the game around. Ryan Agarwal shot a desperation shot that hit the rim and Raynaud came in without being defended from behind the 3 point line got the ball and slammed it in for the game winner.

#5 Two more regular season games left on the Stanford Cardinal (20-9) schedule both are on the road. The Cardinal take on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish (12-17) Wed Mar 5th for a 6:00pm tip. The Irish have lost their last two games and are 9-5 at home. The Cardinal are seventh and have now won three straight games.

Michael Roberson podcasts Stanford Cardinal basketball Thursdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Stanford Cardinal game wrap: Cardinal Corralled the Mustangs 73-68, on Senior Day inside Maples Pavilion

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Stanford Cardinal forward Maxime Raynaud (42) takes a jump shot against the SMU Mustangs at Maple Pavilion on Sat Mar 1, 2025 (Stanford Cardinal X photo)

By Michael Roberson

STANFORD, Calif. — Senior forward Maxime Raynaud’s points and four blocks helped his Stanford Cardinal (19-10, 11-7 ACC) close out their home schedule with a bang, by taming the Southern Methodist Mustangs (21-8, 12-6 ACC) 73-68, on the Farm. The Cardinal come away with a nail biter 73-68 on Saturday night at Maples Pavilion.

The Stanford Senior Trio (Maxime Raynaud, Jaylin Blakes & Cole Kastner) were determined to end their playing careers on the Tara VanDerveer Court at Maples with a bang. Raynaud tallied his obligatory double-figure (11) scoring during the initial 20 minutes of game action. Blakes on the other hand, had a tough first half with 3 fouls midway through the half, including a technical foul. Kastner did not play a minute in half number one.

SMU scored the first points of the game with a three pointer. That margin was the ,ost they led by in the first half They also had runs of 6-0 and 8-0. Stanford had a lead as high as 13, with runs of 7-0 and 9-0.

Even with Stanford’s big lead at one point, it was a very competitive first half. There were 7 lead changes and 6 ties. After all the smoke settled, the home team had a six point lead at recess, 45-39.

Raynaud’s 11 points led the Cardinal, while Matt Cross’ 10 points and Chuck Harris’ 11 paced the Mustangs.

The second half was just as competitive, as the Mustangs overcame the 6-point halftime deficit and turned it into another three points lead midway through the second half. Minutes later they extended their advantage to five.

Stanford was not going to be denied, and they forged their own comeback. There were an additional 4 more lead changes and two more ties to the conference tussle. A total of 11 lead changes and 8 ties was the tally after 40 minutes of action. The Cardinal parlayed that into a five point win, 73-68.

The Cardinal held the Mustangs to a miniscule 39% shooting in the second half, which helped them avoid the stampede from the Dallas horses. Stanford’s 20:7 assist ratio versus SMU was a huge reason they were the victors.

Raynaud finished off his last game at Maples with campus shaking thunderous tip-dunk that sealed the contest. He finished the game with 26 points, and an underwhelming 4 rebounds. However, showed a great defensive front, with 4 blocked shots. Benny Gealer contributed with 17 points and some clutch 3-pointers. Oziyah Sellers chipped in 10 points, and Jaylin Blakes had a disappointing finale with 2 points, but a quality win.

The Mustangs had four players in double-figures. Chuck Harris led the way with 17 points, while Kario Oquendo put up 15, and Matt Cross offered 13, in addition to Yohan Traore offering 10

Stanford will next be in action in South Bend, IN, Wednesday March 5, as they take on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at 9 PM ET/6 PM PT, on ESPNU. SMU heads back to Dallas to host the Syracuse Orange, on Tuesday, March 4 at 8:00 PM CT, also on ESPNU

Cardinal Grounded the Eagles 78-60 inside Maples; Raynaud School’s Double-Double King

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Stanford Cardinal forward Chisom Okpara (10) takes a jump shot against the Boston College Eagles at Maples Pavilion in Palo Alto on Wed Feb 26, 2025 (Stanford X photo)

By Michael Roberson

STANFORD. Calif. — Maxime Raynaud’s record breaking 21st Double-Double helped his Stanford Cardinal (18-10, 10-7 ACC) preserve Palo Alto as a NO-FLY Zone for the visiting Boston College Eagles (12-16, 4-13 ACC) 78-60, while maintaining their home-court conference dominance (8-1) on the Farm..

Raynaud was on a mission right away from the scoring side of his game.  He not only converted the first bucket of the game, but the initial seven points for the Cardinal.  He was on fire from beyond the Arc, and making hook shots from either hand.

Stanford’s defense was also steller and sturdy as their mascot (Tree).  They held their Massachusetts opponent to a putrid 27% from the field, and 18% from threeland, in the first 20 minutes of gameplay.  The Cardinal, on the other hand, shot 54% & 46% respectively for the home squad.

When the recess horn went off, the Cardinal held their largest lead of 18 points, 37-19.  This was assisted with an 8-0 run and controlling the clock, by leading for more than 18 minutes (90%) of the first stanza,

Raynaud led all players with 16 points, and was the lone player in double figures.  However, he had a low count of rebounds (3), possibly interrupting his chance to eclipse school history.  Junior guard Dion Brown led the Eagles in scoring with a mild five points.

In the second half, Stanford scratched first again with a Jaylin Blakes bucket.  That immediately put the Cardinal up by 20 points.  By the end of the conference battle, Stanford increased their advantage to as high as 27 points, but settled for an 18-point victory (78-60), after 40 minutes of regulation action.  This was also the same margin at halftime.

Boston College shot an impressive 50% from the field in the second half, while hitting a sizzling 56% from behind the 3-point line.  They equaled the Cardinal in points production (41) in the last half; however, being down by 18 midway through the contest, that effort will keep you in the same hole, down by 18 after 20 minutes.

Several players joined Raynaud in the double-figures stratosphere, including three of his teammates.  Maxime totaled 23 points, and grabbed 10 rebounds (7 in 2nd Half), placing him on top of the Cardinal’s list of double-doubles in a single season. Twenty-One D-D’s surpasses Stanford legend Adam Keefe, with several games still left in the season’

Oziyah Sellers (18), Chisom Okpara (15) and Jaylin Blakes all joined their Senior record-breaker in double-digit scoring.  As for Boston College, two players reached that plateau.  Senior Chad Venning led the Eagles with 13 points, while his fellow senior teammate Roger McFarlane chipped in 11 points of his own efforts.

The Cardinal will next be in action, Saturday, March 1, as they host the Southern Methodist Mustangs at 2:00 P M PT on the ACC Network.  Boston College heads across the Bay on the same date to take on Cal at 7:00 PM PT on ESPN2/U.