No. 14 Cal Claws Past Nevada, 76-54

BERKELEY, Calif. – In a game that saw three Golden Bears score in double figures, the No. 14/14 California women’s basketball team (2-0) showcased its entire roster in a commanding 76-53 victory over Nevada (1-1) on Tuesday night at Haas Pavilion.

Senior Reshanda Gray set the pace for the Bears, recording 17 points and eight boards on the night. Freshman Mikayla Cowling and senior Brittany Boyd chipped in 13 points apiece, sophomore Courtney Range recorded eight points, while redshirt senior Brittany Shine, senior Justine Hartman, sophomores Mercedes Jefflo and KC Waters, and freshmen Gabby Green and Penina Davidson tallied 25 points, collectively.

Boyd added two steals on the night to move to No. 10 on the Pac-12 all-time steals list with 275.

The Golden Bears jumped out to an early 5-0 lead, but the Wolf Pack evened the score just three minutes into action. Cal regained the lead with a jumper from Green, but Nevada trailed close behind as the team’s exchanged baskets in the early goings of the frame. With 10:22 on the clock, Nevada came within four, but that is the closest they would come for the remainder of the contest.

Cowling drew a foul and logged a pair of free throws to trigger an 11-2 run that gave the Bears a 33-19 advantage with five minutes left to play in the half. The Wolf Pack closed the gap to eight, 36-25, but Cal held the visitors without a basket for the rest of the frame and headed to the locker room, leading 41-27.

The Bears came out of the gates strong in the second half, holding Nevada to just five points through the first 10 minutes. Cal led by as much 28 points down the stretch before the Wolf Pack strung together a 7-0 surge to come within 20 with 4:51 on the ticker, but it was not enough for Nevada as the Golden Bears closed out the game, 76-54.

For the game, Cal shot 49 percent (30-61) from the field, 54 percent (7-13) from 3-point range and 60 percent (9-15) from the charity stripe. Nevada connected on 32 percent (18-57) of its shots, including nine percent (1-11) from beyond the arc and 77 percent (17-22) from the free-throw line.

The Bears will head to Honolulu to face Hawai’i and Missouri in the Hawai’i Tournament. Cal will take on the Rainbow Wahine on Friday, Nov. 21, at 9 p.m., before tangling with the Tigers on Sunday, Nov. 23.