[JohnR34231]

Preview:

A week after our overtime loss at LSU, we get to go across the bay to play a very good Cal team.  Cal is 9-1 against a fairly challenging schedule.  They defeated Gonzaga quite handily, as did we, but they have also defeated Auburn, Arizona, and #19 Alabama.  Their sole loss was to Michigan State in a tournament.  Massey has them at 36 and rapidly climbing, and us at 16 and rapidly declining.  Indiana and LSU are the only teams we have played ranked by Massey as higher than Cal, and of course we lost to both of them.  So I expect a very competitive, tight game.  And this also will be our first conference game.

Cal has five double digit scorers, so it won't be easy to "pick our poison."  Cal this year is led by two outstanding guards.  Lulu Twidale is the name least familiar to us, although she played last year as a freshman.  This year, the 5'10" Aussie sophomore is leading the team in points, minutes, and three pointers.  She is joined by the more familiar 5'10" Greek grad student Ioanna Krimili, who has been a handful for us in prior years.  The two of them have each made more than 30 treys, and both of them are shooting above 42% from distance.  That will put a lot of pressure on our perimeter defense.

But Cal is well balanced.  Inside they have Marta Suarez, a 6'3" Spanish senior forward, who is also in double digit scoring, as well as Michelle Onyiah, the 6'3" center who leads the team in rebounding and ALSO scores in double digits.

Finally, the fifth starter is 5'7" grad student guard Kayla Williams, who transferred in from USC.  Yes, that Kayla Williams.  She is also scoring in double digits, and is also shooting the three at 42%. 

Three guards who ALL shoot the three at 42%, and powerful inside forwards.  Loads of experience.  Playing at home.  I know I have the reputation for pessimism, but I honestly believe Cal should be favored in this game.  I will hope for the best.  There comes a time when "every loss is a blessing" begins to sound trite.  Another loss would certainly not be a blessing, at this stage.  We need to get on track, and win our first league game.

Yeah, since we have yet to win on the road or beat a particularly good team, you are probably right they should be favored. Hopefully we will play the way we did for 39 minutes and 40 seconds against LSU.

[JohnR34231]

Preview:

A week after our overtime loss at LSU, we get to go across the bay to play a very good Cal team.  Cal is 9-1 against a fairly challenging schedule.  They defeated Gonzaga quite handily, as did we, but they have also defeated Auburn, Arizona, and #19 Alabama.  Their sole loss was to Michigan State in a tournament.  Massey has them at 36 and rapidly climbing, and us at 16 and rapidly declining.  Indiana and LSU are the only teams we have played ranked by Massey as higher than Cal, and of course we lost to both of them.  So I expect a very competitive, tight game.  And this also will be our first conference game.

Cal has five double digit scorers, so it won't be easy to "pick our poison."  Cal this year is led by two outstanding guards.  Lulu Twidale is the name least familiar to us, although she played last year as a freshman.  This year, the 5'10" Aussie sophomore is leading the team in points, minutes, and three pointers.  She is joined by the more familiar 5'10" Greek grad student Ioanna Krimili, who has been a handful for us in prior years.  The two of them have each made more than 30 treys, and both of them are shooting above 42% from distance.  That will put a lot of pressure on our perimeter defense.

But Cal is well balanced.  Inside they have Marta Suarez, a 6'3" Spanish senior forward, who is also in double digit scoring, as well as Michelle Onyiah, the 6'3" center who leads the team in rebounding and ALSO scores in double digits.

Finally, the fifth starter is 5'7" grad student guard Kayla Williams, who transferred in from USC.  Yes, that Kayla Williams.  She is also scoring in double digits, and is also shooting the three at 42%. 

Three guards who ALL shoot the three at 42%, and powerful inside forwards.  Loads of experience.  Playing at home.  I know I have the reputation for pessimism, but I honestly believe Cal should be favored in this game.  I will hope for the best.  There comes a time when "every loss is a blessing" begins to sound trite.  Another loss would certainly not be a blessing, at this stage.  We need to get on track, and win our first league game.

Yeah, since we have yet to win on the road or beat a particularly good team, you are probably right they should be favored. Hopefully we will play the way we did for 39 minutes and 40 seconds against LSU.