The California Golden Bears are riding high after a satisfying rivalry victory over Stanford. Let's break down the game and what it means for both teams moving forward.
Stanford started the season strong, handling a relatively easy non-conference schedule and pulling off a couple of upsets in early ACC play. However, the rest of the conference seems to have caught up with them. Currently ranked 74th in Kenpom after their loss to Cal, Stanford's chances for an at-large NCAA bid are fading.
Stanford's offense primarily revolves around freshman phenom Ebuka Okorie. This undersized but talented scorer can light it up from anywhere on the court.
However, when Okorie struggles, so does Stanford. His supporting cast, including Benny Gealer's three-point attempts and the post-up plays from AJ Rohosy and Aiden Cammann, hasn't been enough to carry the team.
When Okorie shot just 1-16 against Cal in January, the team faltered. Even when he's average, like in their latest matchup, Stanford struggles unless they play exceptional defense or dominate possession.
Cal's defense effectively neutralized Okorie by frequently double-teaming him, limiting his usual high usage. He ended up with a 22% usage rate on 6-14 shooting, a testament to Cal's solid defensive strategy. This wasn't a defensive masterclass but rather a demonstration of Cal's standard approach, which proved sufficient to keep Okorie in check.
Despite not being at their offensive best, the Bears took an early double-digit lead and maintained control throughout the game. Even though the ending got a bit tense, the outcome was never seriously in doubt. It was one of Cal's more straightforward ACC wins this season.
Cal's shooting was average, going 9-26 from three-point range, and they struggled with contested shots, hitting only 5/19 on longer two-point attempts and 8/18 at the rim. The Bears often rely on backdoor cuts when opponents overplay the three-point threat, but they need to improve their shot selection and execution.
The return of Lee Dort could be pivotal for Cal. His presence as an interior finisher, screener, and rim protector is sorely missed. Dort's skills would bring much-needed balance to both ends of the court.
Looking ahead, Cal faces a crucial matchup against SMU, a team known for its offensive efficiency but weaker defense. This game promises to be high-scoring, and a win could significantly boost Cal's NCAA tournament hopes. With other bubble teams like Missouri and USC taking losses, Cal's chances are looking up, though there's still work to be done.
This season marks Cal's first over .500 since 2017, and another win would secure their first 20-win season since then. It's also their first season sweep over Stanford since the 2010 Pac-10 championship squad. It's a great moment to celebrate these accomplishments, especially after a win over their rivals.