Bears Edged By Dons
BERKELEY – California women's basketball (0-4, 0-1 Pac-12) fought their way back from a 15-point deficit in the second quarter to their first lead of the night with 2:01 remaining in the final period. However, despite keeping the game within one possession for the next 1:54, the Golden Bears were unable to pull away at the end, falling to San Francisco (1-2, 0-0 WCC) 67-62.
"I was really proud of our effort," head coach Charmin Smith said. "We're becoming a better team, but most importantly, I thought today was one of those character-identifying moments in which you could see who we are trying to be."
Cal's perimeter defense was on display against USF as they held the Dons to just four three pointers overall and one through the first three quarters. It was the team's fewest triples since February 20, 2020 against San Diego. More impressively, the Bears held Dons freshman guard Ionna Krimili to zero treys until the final minute of the third quarter after she entered the game ranked second in the nation in made three-pointers with 6.50 per contest. She ultimately made three in game. Overall, Cal held USF to a 20 percent three-point field goal percentage (4-for-20).
On the offensive side of the ball, sophomore forward Evelien Lutje Schipholt registered her sixth career double-double after scoring a career-high 20 points (9-for-15) along with 10 rebounds and three blocks. Meanwhile, freshman forward Dalayah Daniels paced the Bears with a career-best 24 points (7-for-13). She also recorded four rebounds, three assists (a career-high), two blocks and two steals. Lutje Schipholt and Daniels combined for 44 of Cal's 62 points and shot a collective 57.1 field goal percentage. Meanwhile, freshman forward Ugonne (Michelle) Onyiah also recorded career numbers in both rebounds (11) and points (six). Furthermore, the team tallied their most combined blocks in two years (nine), their most since December 16, 2018 against UC Santa Barbara (also nine).
The Golden Bears now turn their sights to Sunday's Battle of the Bay matchup with rival No. 1 Stanford. Cal will face the Cardinal at 7pm PT on Pac-12 Network and Pac-12 Bay Area.
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