Defending Home Court: A Masterclass by the Bears
The Bears showcased an impressive home court performance with their second win over Stanford this season. Demonstrating poise and control, they kept Stanford under 70 points, setting the tone from the tip-off and maintaining the lead throughout the game. Their defensive prowess was evident with 30 defensive rebounds, and they forced 10 turnovers, which helped them keep a firm grip on the game.
Breaking Through the Trees
Capitalizing on those 10 turnovers, the Bears scored 8 points on fast breaks, exploiting the Cardinal's slow defensive resets. These swift breakaways were crucial in maintaining high energy both on the court and among the packed crowd at Haas Pavilion for the Big Game.
Cal’s Game MVP: John Camden
Graduate forward John Camden was a standout on both ends of the floor. Leading the Bears with eight rebounds and scoring 18 points, Camden made a significant impact in his first Battle of the Bay in Berkeley. His six defensive rebounds were instrumental in setting up those fast breaks that kept the Bears in command.
Eye-Opening Stats: A Tale of Missed Opportunities
While Cal's defense was formidable, their offense struggled to find rhythm, shooting just 34.9% from the field and 34.6% from beyond the arc. Despite leading all night, the Bears missed several chances to secure a more decisive victory, resulting in a low-scoring affair.
And Then There Were Three
The low scoreline was partly due to the concentrated scoring effort from three players. Senior forward Chris Bell, junior guard Dai Dai Ames, and Camden combined for 20, 17, and 18 points, respectively. Together, they accounted for 55 of Cal's points, a whopping 76.4% of the team's total output.
Looking Forward
Next up, Cal faces SMU at Haas Pavilion on Feb. 25. With only two home games left, the Bears will need to capitalize on their home court advantage to boost their chances of making it into March Madness territory.