Louisville Defends Cal Women Early, And Holds On Late in 70-63 Win

By Morris Phillips

Offensive droughts and foul trouble made the Cal Bears women’s visit to Louisville an unsuccessful one on Thursday night.

The visitors quest for a significant Quad 1 win on the road fell apart in a stretch spanning the first and second quarters in which they were outscored 17-2 and fell behind by 13. While Louisville surged, the Bears missed 12 consecutive shots. Cal still trailed 64-48 midway through the fourth quarter before finishing with a run that made the final margin a respectable, but still unsatisfying seven points.

The matchup of a significantly more experienced Cal team and a youthful Louisville squad was decided by turnovers as well as Cal committed 23 which led to 22 points for the hosts.

Olivia Cochran led the Cardinals with 18 points and nine rebounds before fouling out in the final minutes. Highly touted freshman Imari Berry added 14 points off the bench in one of her best games to date, while former Cal standout Jayda Curry had eight points on 3 of 11 shooting in her first meeting against her former team and coach.

Cal (19-5, 7-4) was led by Michelle Onyiah with 15 points and 11 rebounds. Cal’s other four starters also scored in double figures, but their bench managed just four points on the evening, all four from guard Gisella Maul.

The Bears will need to regroup quickly for their next game at No. 3 Notre Dame on Sunday. The Fighting Irish maintained their unblemished record in ACC play on Thursday by routing Stanford 96-47.

Cardinal Attacked by Demon Deacons 79-73; drop first ACC home game, on a Late Wednesday Night on the Farm

Stanford Cardinal forward Donavin Young (2) keeps the ball away from Wake Forest Demon Deacons guard Cameron Hildreth (6) at Maples Pavilion in Palo Alto Wed Feb 5, 2025 (Stanford Cardinal X photo)

By Michael Roberson

STANFORD, Calif. — The Stanford Cardinal (15-8, 7-5 ACC) were unable to exorcise the Wake Forest Demon Deacons (17-6, 9-3 ACC) and subdue their East Coast visitors at venerable Maples Pavilion, 79-73, and their home conference unbeaten streak (5-1) comes to an end on Hump Day.

The Cardinal started the conference contest with a Ryan Agarwal 3-pointer and momentum very early in the half. The Demon Deacon immediately responded with a 6-0 run and put themselves into the lead moments later. Both teams exchanged leads and ties frequently in the first 20 minutes of gameplay. As a matter of fact, there were 7 lead changes and 6 ties before recess.

Wake Forest also had an 8-0 run and led by as many as 9 points in the first stanza. Stanford was in front by a maximum of 5 points during that same block of time.

By halftime, the Demon Deacons were able to hold on to a three point advantage, 40-37. This was with major help from their senior guard Cameron Hildretth. He was the only player on both teams in double-digit scoring territory, with 15 points. Senior forward Maxime Raynaud led the Cardinal with 9 points and 6 rebounds.

The second half was similar to Groundhogs Day, because Agarwal opened the final 20-minute segment with another trey. Wake Forest also liked the special day, because they responded again with a hefty run, trumping the momentous jumper from beyond the arc.

They both had a similar back and forth battle in the second half. There were 10 more lead changes, and an additional 6 ties. A barnburner was happening, most appropriately, on the proverbial Farm.

Six other players, on both sides, eclipsed the 10+ points plateau, in the second half. That prompted a nip and tuck fight to the 40 minute buzzer. As that time frame elapsed, the Demon Deacons’ evilness prevailed, to the tune of a six point victory, 79-76. Maples Pavilion suffered its first loss of the inaugural ACC venture.

Raynaud led the Cardinal with yet another double-double (16 points and 10 rebounds) and was within range of a triple-double, with 6 assists. Junior forward Chisom Okpara (14), Agarwal (12) and Oziyaha Sellers (10), were the other players with at least 10 points to their tallies.

As for the Demon Deacons, Holdreth led all players with 22 points. He had three other teammates in double-digit scoring: Hunter Sallis (19) added 7 rebounds and 5 assists to his total, Ty-Laur Jackson (14) also grabbed 6 rebounds, and Tre’Von Spillers (12) contributed 5 rebounds to his team.

Stanford will next be in action Saturday, February 8, as they host North Carolina State Wolfpack at 4:00 PM PT, on the ACC Network. Wake Forest travels across the Bay, on the same date, to take on Cal at 2:00 PM, also on the ACC Network.

Golden Bears cruise to 74-62 win over Wolfpack

Cal Bears guard Jovan Blackshear Jr (10) raises a hand to teammates against the NC State Wolfpack at Haas Pavilion in Berkeley on Wed Feb 5, 2025 (Cal Bears X)

By Daniel Dullum
Wednesday, February 5, 2025

California continued to enjoy success in Atlantic Coast Conference men’s basketball Wednesday, as the Golden Bears defeated North Carolina State 74-62 at Haas Pavilion.

Jovan Blacksher led Cal (12-11 overall, 5-7 ACC) with 18 points, followed by Jeremiah Wilkinson with 14 points. Joshua Ola-Joseph added 13 points and Mady Sissoko pulled down 13 rebounds.

Andre Stojakovic returned to the Golden Bears lineup from illness and contributed six points. He hadn’t played since Jan. 18, also against NC State.

Cal led 34-30 at halftime. A key factor in the Golden Bears’ win was their defense, which held NC State to 2 of 12 shooting over the final 6 1/2 minutes. The Wolfpack (9-13 overall, 2-9 ACC) missed nine shots during that stretch.

A Rytis Petraitis 3-pointer put the Golden Bears up 47-46 with 13 minutes remaining in the second half. Petraitis later gave Cal 62-54 lead with under seven minutes to go. Cal put the finishing touches on the victory with a 10-0 run, giving them a 72-57 advantage with 90 seconds to play.

Marcus Hill led the Wolfpack with 20 points. NC State has lost seven consecutive games.

This Saturday, the Golden Bears host Wake Forest at 4 p.m., while NC State visits Stanford.

Cal Bears podcast with Morris Phillips: Cal takes on Louisville Thursday in bid for 21st win

Martz Suarez forward (7) of the Cal Bears takes a jump shot against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Haas Pavilion in Berkeley on Sun Feb 2, 2025. (Cal Bears X photo)

#1 In the Cal Bears (20-4) last game Marta Suarez and Ioanna Krimili scored 16 points a piece and Lulu Twidale had 15 points as Cal picked up fourth win in their last six games against the Pittsburgh Panthers (9-15) 84-53 last Sunday.

#2 For Cal they reached a season high for scoring with 84 points and won by a season high 31 point gap with their win over Pittsburgh.

#3 The Bears had control over the Panthers early outscoring them 28-9 in the second quarter and taking an 18-11 lead after the first quarter. Cal had runs of 13-0 and 10-0 leads during the second quarter to hold a 46-20 lead at the half.

#4 Cal had all 12 of their players score against Pit and for head coach Charmin Smith she now chalks up her 19th win and seventh conference win tying the most she had last season.

#5 Cal heads to Louisville to take on the Cardinals. The Cardinals are sixth in the ACC at 15-7 over all and 6-3 at home. Tip off Thursday night 5:00pm PST.

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

Butler dealt to Golden State from Miami; Durant doesn’t want to come back to Warriors

Newest Golden State Warriors and former Miami Heat Jimmy Butler comes over to San Francisco in exchange for Andrew Wiggins and Kyle Anderson who joins the Miami Heat a deal made on Wed Feb 5, 2025 (ESPN still photo)

By Jerry Feitelberg

The Miami Heat traded Jimmy Butler to the Golden State Warriors. Butler was not happy in Miami and did not get along with Pat Riley team president. Former Golden State Warrior Kevin Durant said he did not want to be traded to Golden State as his current team the Phoenix Suns are searching for a landing place for Durant.

One of the deals was to have Durant come to the Warriors and Butler would go to the Phoenix Suns. The deal now has Butler signing a $111 million two year deal that runs through 2026-27. Butler has declined the player option of $52 million.

The Warriors have sent Andrew Wiggins and Kyle Anderson to Miami that includes a top 10 protected 2025 first round draft pick. Dennis Schroder was traded to the Utah Jazz. The Jazz will now send former Miami forward PJ Tucker back to Miami. Tucker played for the Heat in 2021-22.

Guard Lindy Waters III will go to the Detroit Pistons leaving Golden State and Josh Richardson will go from Miami to the Pistons. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr informed the team of the trades before their game in Utah on Wednesday night.

Wiggins who got dealt to Miami was the team leading scorer with an average of 17.6 points. Wiggins was noted for being one of the best guards on the Warriors who defended both guards and forward and had the ability to play top level offense.

Wiggins was informed of the trade after taking warm ups before the game in Utah and shook hands with security guard, an assistant coach and two Warrior players before packing up his items at his locker in preparation for the trip to join the Heat.

Jerry Feitelberg is an NBA analyst for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Super Bowl LIX podcast with Jessica Kwong: Chiefs pushing for that threepeat win; Eagles Hurts game prepared for Sunday

Singer Taylor Swift (right) and Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (left) celebrate the Chiefs last game at the AFC Championship against the Buffalo Bills at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on Sun Jan 26, 2025. (AP News photo)

On Headline Sports podcast with Jessica Kwong:

#1 How fascinating is it that the Kansas City Chiefs have a shot to be the very first NFL team to threepeat in league history.

#2 Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes once again will be the focus of this Super Bowl he’s been the back bone of the team in the post season and there is a lot of confidence he could get the job done again.

#3 The Philadelphia Eagles Saquon Barkley has been the dominating force that has help carry this Eagles team and his ability to rush and break through has been an important part of this Super Bowl.

#4 Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL under center again and has had not only great number in the post season but he’s got that ability to carry the football when necessary.

#5 The officiating has been accused of pretty much favoring the Chiefs for the post season and this accusation has been denied by the NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. The officials have been accused of looking the other way on Chiefs penalties that would go against them.

#6 Chiefs Travis Kelce said that it would be an honor to have President Donald Trump at the Super Bowl when asked what he thought of the president appearing at this Sunday’s game.

Jessica Kwong does Headline Sports every other Wednesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury News and Commentary:Superbowl LIX — It’s also about the Commercials

One of the Super Bowl LIX commercials featuring Coors Light will be shown on Super Sunday Feb 9, 2025 (Coors Light still)

Superbowl LIX — It’s also about the Commercials

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

I have covered Superbowls out of town, as a sports reporter. In 1982, Superbowl XVI at the Silverdome in Pontiac, Michigan, when the San Francisco 49ers beat the Cincinnati Bengals 26-21. In 1990, the Super Bowl XXIV at the Superdome in New Orleans was when the San Francisco 49ers beat the Denver Broncos 55-10.

And at home, I also overed the one in 1985 at Stanford. I am not in New Orleans for this next Superbowl on Sunday, but I will watch like you and millions of people. New Orleans is one of my favorite cities, as in 1980, I was also there at the New Orleans Superdome to cover the famous Roberto Durán vs. Sugar Ray Leonard when Sugar Ray Leonard won the title fight for the WBC Welterweight division after Roberto “Manos de Piedra” Durán ( Panamá) who quit in round eight, the famous “no más” fight. An incredible and unforgettable fight.

On Sunday, February 9, Superbowl 59th will take place in New Orleans, “The Big Easy.” The Philadelphia Eagles will face the Kansas City Chiefs. This has become an Event that Transcends Sports; it is pure American culture. Included are the always memorable or not-so-memorable commercials. This year, according to USA Today, these elaborate commercials that will air inside the game have cost $7-8 million per 30-second advertisement. Scoop:I hear the famous Clydesdale horses will be in a commercial.

Everything during the Super Bowl becomes a legend in the United States, including the National Anthem before the game, which on Sunday will be performed by New Orleans native Jon Batiste. Some artists who sing the National Anthem in the Superbowls are usually famous singers.

However, during the first few Superbowls, a musical band or orchestra played the National Anthem, or sometimes, ‘America the Beautiful’. The first time a singer got a job to sing the National Anthem in a Superbowl was Superbowl VII in 1974; it was Charley Pride, a real Country Music singer.

Among others who followed, from Barry Manilow to Vicki Carr to Diane Ross, Neil Diamond, Billy Joel to Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera, Whitney Houston, Carrie Underwood, and Lady Gaga, The National Anthem is also rated by the media in our pop-culture just as much as the pregame an in-game commercials, as well during halftime (the halftime show), and even some leftovers after the game. In other words, ‘everything is game, in the big game’.

The Half Time Show has become an American tradition, not just the game. Some have suggested that the federal government declare the Monday after the Superbowl a national holiday because most people do not even bother coming to work the ‘day after’.

Kendrick Lamar will take the stage for the Half Time Show in New Orleans for the most significant performance of his life, as over 100 million people in the US will be watching, and many more worldwide. Excuse me, but I do not know much about Mr.Lamar or the rap sounds, but I hope he does well.

Although the main focus is the game, the commercials have become a tradition in American culture. Families gather in front of their vast television sets in their living rooms to watch the commercials, and some make bets (not only on the game) but also on which commercial will get the best commercial title in the country.

I know people who remember the commercials inside these Super Bowls much more than the final score—especially those who are not football fans. In Philadelphia and Kansas City, the only cars on the streets will probably be emergency vehicles or people who must work that Sunday.

USA TODAY created Ad Meter in 1989 to gauge consumers’ opinions about television’s most expensive commercials. The results have become the industry-leading tool for measuring public opinion surrounding Super Bowl ads.

Oh, sorry. The game? Well, I hope it is a good game that pleases everybody, especially all the real football fans. Everybody knows that we could make history because if Kansas City wins, they will be the first in the NFL’s history to win three consecutive Superbowls.

This game Sunday will be a rematch of Super Bowl LVII (2023) held at Glendale, Arizona when Kansas City beat Philadelphia 25-22. Chiefs Quarterback Patrict Mahomes was the Most Valuable Player.

Get ready for the big game, which is more significant than ever today, especially with the advent of social media.

My prediction for this Sunday. Kansas City 37, Philadelphia 34.

FOX KTVU CH 2 (Bay Area) coverage begins at 10 AM Kick Off 3:30 PM (West Coast Time)

Broadcasters: Kevin Burkhardt play-by-play and Tom Brady commentary (Booth) Tom Rinaldi and Erin Andrews (Sideline reporters)

Hasta la vista, baby!

Amaury Pi-Gonzalez – Cuban-born Pi-González is one of the pioneers of Spanish-language baseball play-by-play in America. Began as Oakland A’s Spanish-language voice in 1977, a role he continues to this day (interrupted by stops with the Giants, Mariners and Angels). Voice of the Golden State Warriors from 1992 through 1998. 2010 inducted in the Bay Area Radio Hall of fame.

Super Bowl LIX podcast with David Zizmor: Chiefs Mahomes can he get that threepeat?; Eagles will rely heavily on Barkley

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) will be slinging the football in Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans on Sun Feb 9, 2025 in his effort to get the Chiefs for their third Super Bowl win (AP News photo)

#1 Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has some amazing stats going into this Super Bowl for the 2024-25 regular season Mahomes was 3928 yards, 26 touchdowns, only 11 interceptions thrown. He’s no doubt been the back bone of the Chiefs efforts to get a third straight Super Bowl.

#2 Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley is noted to be the best running back for the 2024 season and has been the key player to help the Eagles get to the Super Bowl with 345 carries, 2005 yards, 13 touchdowns, and averaging 5.8 yards a carry.

#3 NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell during his press conference at the Super Bowl told the media that there is no favoritism toward the Kanas Chiefs by the officials.

David Zizmor is an NFL analyst for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Guenther Lights The Lamp At Overtime Buzzer For Utah HC 3-2 Home Victory Against Philadelphia

Dylan Guenther scored a overtime game winner for the Utah Hockey Club against the Philadelphia Flyers at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Tue Feb 4, 2025 (Utah Hockley Club X photo)

By Tom Walker

SALT LAKE CITY–Dylan Guenther made an immediate impact in his return to the lineup from injury with 2 goals and an assist including the overtime game winner with less than a second remaining on the clock.

Home ice has not been Utah Hockey Club’s friend for much of their inaugural season in Salt Lake City.  Coming into Tuesday night’s matchup with the Philadelphia Flyers, Utah’s home record was 8-12-6, so they hoped that the return of Dylan Guenther from injury would inject some energy into the team’s offense.  Entering the game, Guenther was tied for first in goals among NHL players 21 years old and under.

The Flyers quickly took the lead just two minutes into the first on a snap shot by Rodrigo Abols, his first NHL goal, assisted by Travis Sanheim.  Utah would put 13 shots on net in the frame, but Philadelphia goaltender Samuel Ersson stopped them all. 

Mikhail Sergachev evened the score at 3:32 of the 2nd period with his 10th goal, assisted by Guenther and Barrett Hayton.  Sergachev matched his career high for goals in a season, while Guenther registered his first point since January 2 at Calgary.  Less than a minute later, Tyson Foerster would tip in a shot by Sean Couturier to regain the lead for the Flyers.  Philadelphia seemed to make it 3-1 at 8:44 of the frame, but Utah successfully challenged for off sides, their third successful coaches challenge out of four attempts on the season.

At 8:40 of the 3rd period, Dylan Guenther scored his 17th goal, assisted by Barrett Hayton and Mikhail Sergachev, to even the score at 2 apiece.  At the end of 60 minutes, the score remained knotted up at 2.

With time expiring in overtime, Sergachev fed the puck to Guenther who drove to the net and fired the puck past Ersson with less than a second remaining on the clock to give Utah the home win as the fans erupted in cheers.  Both players factored into all 3 Utah goals on the night.  The Flyers challenged the game winner, hoping to negate it with an off side call, but Toronto confirmed a good goal and the locker room celebration was on. Utah registered 42 shots on goal, the most in the new franchise’s history.

First star of the game, Dylan Guenther, talked about his overtime goal.  “Just not a lot of time left. I was waiting for (Clayton Keller) to get off, and saw it go in and then I saw the clock was at zero, so it was just hoping that it got off in time and it did.” When asked about returning to the ice, the young forward said, “It feels good. I mean, it’s tough getting injured, and I’ve never really gone through that before, so it’s nice that the work that you put in paid off. Just have to keep it rolling here and try to get some more wins.” On the crowd reaction to the goal, Guenther beamed, “It was buzzing. The crowd was buzzing the whole game, even when they announced my name in the starting lineup. I think that feels really good as a player, and that makes you excited to play. It makes you excited to be here in Utah. The support of the crowd helps us win games. So it’s huge.”

Fan favorite Liam O’Brien, who dropped the gloves with Nicolas Deslauriers in the first for his 4th fighting major of the season, also addressed the media.  “I think there’s just so many different plays in a game that creates momentum, whether it’s a defensive play, drawing a penalty, big hit. Those are important plays. So I think we had a lot of those tonight throughout our whole team.” Asked about the fight, he said, “I try to fight at the right time. I felt like tonight was the right time. Sometimes you just want to get the energy going, and that’s what I tried to do tonight.”

Head coach André Tourigny was asked about the impact of Guenther’s return, but he was quick to credit the entire team.  “I think it was a team effort. We were happy about a lot of our games even if we didn’t get the result. We were not happy about our game against St. Louis. I loved the answer (tonight). Not just the score; obviously the score is huge (and) that’s what we’re playing for. But the intensity, the battle level, the number of battles we won, the way we reload, the way we went at the net, the drives to the net we had, I think everybody did their part.”  Talking about what the win does for momentum on the coming road trip heading into Four Nations, Tourigny said, “(Tonight’s win) was absolutely huge. We still very much believe. We don’t look at scores elsewhere, but we know Calgary lost. We know Vancouver is up by one after two. The point is…we know at this point we’ll need a bit of help (to make the playoffs). We didn’t take the straight line. But we can make it and we’ll fight for it. Now we’ll need to go on the road and have a helluva road trip.” Asked about what he told the team during the 30-second timeout near the end of overtime, Bear commented, “They were tired…That’s the only thing I wanted; I wanted to calm the pace a little bit and get a chance for (Mikhail Sergachev, Michael Kesselring and Dylan Guenther) to be at their best. There was 46 seconds left; there was no need to save the timeout for nothing. They were at the end of their gas tank. Just talking for 30 seconds was a welcome addition. Then (Kevin Stenlund) won the draw. That’s another thing; we had a really good overtime. We had a lot of possession, a lot of chances. It started with (Stenlund). He won every draw. You start with the puck 3-on-3, that helps a lot.”

Utah now hits the road for games against Columbus, Carolina, and Washington prior to the 4 Nations Faceoff break. Utah defensemen Olli Määttä and Juuso Välimäki will represent their native Finland in the tournament. The next game at Delta Center will take place January 23 against the Vancouver Canucks.

Sharks Let Another One Go Against the Habs 4-3

Sharks players celebrate the tying goal over Montreal on Tuesday Feb 4 at SAP Center in San Jose (AP Photo)

As the rain pours heavily in the Bay, so does it for the Sharks in another Tuesday night action

A new month at the tank, and the San Jose Sharks could not get it done losing by a goal to the Montreal Canadiens 4-3 at SAP Center in San Jose on Tuesday night. The Sharks hosted the Montreal Canadiens, trying to start off the new month with a victory after a rather grey week for the team in teal following the horrible defeat in Seattle last week. The Sharks have been having recent activity with the departure of Grandlund and Ceci for Dallas, and now trying to find a win.

The Sharks started the game with a goal by Macklin Celebrini on a powerplay assisted by Tyler Toffoli, who would later also have his moment of glory, and William Eklund.

During the first 20 minutes it seemed that the path to a good night would be on the Sharks’ side.

In the second period, Montreal regained strength and its key character, Nick Suzuki, on a powerplay scored the first goal for the Habs who are also coming off a season full of setbacks in the Atlantic division.

That still wasn’t enough, Montreal made it 2-1 with a goal scored by Alex Newhook assisted by Dach and Carrier.

With that 2-1, the Sharks looked to recover before going to the second intermission, and that’s how they managed to tie it with a goal by Colin Graf to give some breath and life with a tie approaching the last 20 minutes of hockey.

For the third period, Montreal, like in the second period, was a different team and had a different dynamic and took the lead with a 3-2 goal scored by Brendan Gallagher.

Desperately, the Sharks team looked for ways to solve the problem. Tyler Toffoli solved it by tying the match again ten minutes before the end of the match.
Everything seemed to indicate that the match would go to overtime but things decided to take a different turn.

Joel Armia put the Canadiens ahead 4-3 on a powerplay and the night would end with that score, giving the Sharks another loss and again in a one-goal tie.

This Thursday, the Sharks will be hosting the Vancouver Canucks who are coming off a 3-0 win against Colorado.