Bears Shine with A Stellar Performance Against Florida State

In a recent women’s basketball clash, Cal showcased their prowess on both ends of the court, dominating Florida State with a final score of 82-70. This match highlighted the Bears’ exceptional shooting skills and pronounced defensive strategies that have positioned them as one of the top teams in the country.

Solid Shooting Stats

Cal’s shooting accuracy has made them a formidable competitor, with an impressive 37.3% success rate from beyond the arc, ranking them 16th nationally. Furthermore, they sit 12th for true shooting percentage at 57.5%. Their offensive rating of 107.4 rounds out their remarkable performance metrics, solidifying their reputation as efficient scorers.

Defensive Efficiency

What may propel the Bears (16-2, 4-1 ACC) further in the conference is their unexpectedly effective defense. Against Florida State, they not only maintained their typical offensive rhythm—shooting 47.8% from the field and scoring 17 points in transition—but their defense was the true star of the game. Florida State, boasting the second-best scoring average at 94.3 points per game, faced significant pressure and was held to a season-low by the Bears.

Turbulent Semifinals

Florida State’s Ta’Niya Latson, the nation’s leading scorer at 27.7 points per game, was largely neutralized by Cal sophomore Lulu Twidale, who didn’t allow her to score until the fourth quarter. The Seminoles struggled early, failing to register a field goal for the first four and a half minutes of the game. A significant 15-3 run by the Bears propelled them to a commanding 50-25 lead at halftime, at one point extending their lead to 34 points during the third quarter.

Coach’s Insight

After NC State’s loss to Cal, Wolfpack head coach Wes Moore noted their knowledge of Cal’s offensive strategies but still struggled to counteract their gameplay—insight that influenced Cal’s defensive tactics against Florida State. Coach Charmin Smith elaborated on the team philosophy, stating, "It was really a concerted effort to limit Latson. If they were going to hit some shots from players we weren’t guarding, so be it because they can’t hit as many as we can."

Cal’s Future in the Conference

Although Cal allows an average of 61.4 points per game—ranking seventh in the fiercely competitive ACC—their defensive rating of 85.1 showcases their ability to hold opponents down amidst fierce competition. The Bears have climbed to No. 18 in the AP Top 25 poll following victories against both NC State and Florida State, managing to bounce back from an unexpected loss at Clemson during a road trip.

With aspirations to secure a place in the NCAA Tournament, Coach Smith emphasizes the importance of performing against ranked teams and maintaining home court advantage, stating, “We understand there is a target on our back now… We’re used to hunting, and now we can be the hunted.”

Strong Tournament Performance

Cal’s record against tournament teams has now improved to 7-1, with a NET ranking of 30th nationally. Smith expressed pride in the team’s transformation, stating, “This year, we’re able to get the wins… It’s just a completely different team, a completely different feel, a completely different vibe.”

Stanford’s Struggles

In contrast, Stanford’s recent performances raise concerns, particularly regarding their scoring diversity. After a challenging 0-2 road trip in the ACC, head coach Kate Paye made adjustments to the starting lineup in hopes of finding more offensive spark.

With an impressive victory against Florida State, Stanford then faced a tough defeat from NC State. Despite changes in the lineup, the Cardinal (9-7, 1-4 ACC) has had difficulty overcoming scoring hurdles, with standout player Jzaniya Harriel struggling with her shooting percentage lately.

Paye acknowledged the need for a collective push from every player, saying, “It’s a matter of, we need everybody playing really well.” As the Cardinal seeks to regain their footing, the emphasis remains on teamwork and resilience, critical elements to overcoming this season’s challenges.

Recognition for Pollerd

Meanwhile, Santa Clara’s Olivia Pollerd is making headlines, earning WCC’s Player of the Week honors for her outstanding performances. After averaging 23.5 points per game during a recent week, Pollerd’s contributions have been essential for the Broncos, even as they navigate a challenging season.

With her strong scoring average and defensive contributions, Pollerd represents a bright spot amid Santa Clara’s struggles, showing how resilience in the face of adversity is essential in women’s basketball this season.

By maintaining their performances and adapting to challenges, both Cal and Stanford continue to make strides in the world of women’s basketball, each aiming to solidify their standings in the conference while also making an impression on the national stage.