The California Golden Bears delivered an impressive performance in the initial round of the Pac-12 Tournament, clinching a 65-44 victory over Washington State. This triumph represents the first occasion that the Bears have progressed to the quarterfinals since 2020, and they are now poised to encounter the top-seeded Stanford team in the subsequent round.
Leilani McIntosh spearheaded the Golden Bears’ charge with a remarkable 19-point display, equalling her career-best with five successful 3-pointers. Ioanna Krimili and Michelle Onyiah also made substantial contributions to the team’s success, with Krimili accruing 14 points and Onyiah securing 11 points along with nine rebounds.
The Golden Bears asserted their dominance in the rebounding department, securing a 48-35 advantage over Washington State, and grabbing 20 offensive rebounds, leading to a 26-8 disparity in second-chance points. This performance underscores the team’s offensive prowess and their adeptness at capitalising on scoring opportunities.
In the forthcoming quarterfinals, Cal will confront the reigning tournament champions, the Cougars, who have encountered a challenging season following the absence of Charlisse Leger-Walker due to a knee injury. Despite the Cougars’ efforts, they faced offensive struggles throughout the contest, posting a season-low 30.5% shooting from the field and their lowest-scoring game of the season.
Cal’s robust defensive display limited Washington State to a mere 20% shooting in the first half, enabling the Golden Bears to establish a commanding 30-14 lead. Although the Cougars staged a comeback in the final quarter, Cal’s resolute performance ultimately secured their berth in the quarterfinals.
Looking forward, the Golden Bears are poised to face a formidable challenge against the top-seeded Stanford team. The match is scheduled to take place on Thursday at 2:30 p.m. PT, and the team is eager to build on their recent success and continue their journey in the Pac-12 Tournament.
For enthusiasts and advocates of Cal women’s basketball, comprehensive coverage of the team’s progress, with updates and insights, can be accessed on Twitter (@CalWBBall), Instagram (@CalWBBball), and Facebook (/CalWBBall/). Stay tuned for further exhilarating developments as the Golden Bears strive to leave their mark on the tournament.