Cal Women's Basketball Triumphs Over Florida State; Stanford Suffers Setback to Miami

Cal Women's Basketball Shines

In a remarkable display of tenacity, junior guard Lulu Twidale led the Cal Bears to a critical 75-62 win over Florida State on Thursday evening. Scoring 17 of her 30 points in the fourth quarter, Twidale turned the tide of the game, demonstrating both skill and determination.

The Bears improved their record to 17-11, 8-7 ACC, and have now won seven out of their last nine games. This victory is not just another tally in the win column; it signifies a resurgence for the team as they strive for postseason opportunities.

A Closer Look at the Game

Cal took a narrow lead into halftime, 36-34, but found themselves in a precarious position, trailing 53-50 as the final quarter began. It was an electrifying start to the fourth when Twidale nailed a three-pointer, instantly leveling the game before securing a lead with a three-point play just a minute into the quarter.

“It's a will to win and she willed us to this victory,” said Cal coach Charmin Smith. “She fought through a first half where she struggled offensively, and really dominated in the second half.”

Those words ring true as Twidale cemented her dominance with layups, free throws, and another long-range shot throughout the quarter, posting a remarkable 25-9 scoring advantage for Cal in those final minutes.

Additional Performers

While Twidale's performance was the highlight, Gisella Maul also contributed significantly with 10 points. Sakima Walker demonstrated versatility, adding eight points along with a game-high 11 rebounds.

Florida State's Struggles

For Florida State, sophomore Sydney Bowles led the way with 17 points, but ultimately, the team had no answers for Cal's late-game surge. The Seminoles fell to 9-18, 4-11 ACC, a reflection of their struggles this season.

Stanford's Disappointment

In stark contrast, the Stanford Cardinal faced disappointment, losing to the Miami Hurricanes 66-51. Hailee Swain led Stanford with 16 points, with Nunu Agara adding 11. However, Stanford's shooting was abysmal, with a 31.7% field goal percentage, marking one of their lowest outputs this season.

Looking Ahead

This defeat pushes Stanford's record to 16-12, 5-10 ACC, which raises concerns about their prospects as they near the postseason. Stanford fought hard, even bringing the scoreboard to within five points during the third quarter, but Miami's quick 11-2 run in the final quarter quelled any hopes of a comeback.

“Our will to win was strong enough to get it done,” reflected Smith, highlighting the challenges of road games and the significance of every win.

Other Notable Games

In other West Coast Conference action, the Santa Clara Broncos defeated the St. Mary's Gaels 63-55 behind double-digit contributions from Ava Schmidt and Delainey Miller, both scoring 14 points.

The Pacific Tigers also secured a convincing 73-51 victory over the USF Dons, with Daria Nestorov leading the charge with 18 points.

Conclusion

The college basketball landscape remains dynamic as teams jockey for postseason positions. The disparate fortunes of Cal and Stanford serve as a reminder of the unpredictability and excitement that defines this sport. I'll continue to follow these developments as we approach championship season.