Cal Women's Basketball At Utah: Preview & Gamethread
by norcalnick on Jan 15, 2012 12:30 PM PST
in California Golden Bears Women's Basketball
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PrintTime: 1:30 pm PT
TV: FSN/CSNBA
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Gametracker
After an absurd turnaround allowed Cal to escape Boulder with a win, the Bears travel 1,204 feet lower to Salt Lake City to take on Utah at the Jon M. Huntsman Center. AND IT’S ON TV!
The Utes enter with a record of just 8-7, 1-3 in conference, which is somewhat disappointing for a team voted to finish 5th in the preseason conference poll. Admittedly, Utah doesn’t have any truly bad losses – Colorado and Washington St. all look like decent or better conference teams – but they don’t have any good wins either. The Utes have only defeated two teams with a winning record, and I don’t think Idaho St. and Washington are expected to make much noise.
Utah is led by a pair of sophomore forwards, Michelle Plouffe and Taryn Wicijowski. Cal fans who saw the Bears defeat Utah by 10 in the WNIT two years ago may remember Wicijowski and now-senior guard Janita Badon, who combined to score 30 of Utah’s 54 points in that game. The 6’3’’ Wicijowski missed last season with an injury but has returned to pair with 6’4’’ Plouffe to form an imposing front court that averages 27 points and 17 rebounds per game.
Tempo Free Chart
Our computer overlords predict: Sagarin Predictor: Cal by 3.5 points
Chart concept borrowed from MGoBlog, all stats courtesy of wbbstate.com and are accurate as of 1/15. Stat glossary found here. One letter indicates 10 place advantage in national rankings, two letters indicate 100 place advantage, three indicates 200 place advantage, etc.
| Category | Cal Ranking | Utah Ranking | Advantage |
| Cal eFG% vs. Utah Def eFG% | 123 | 21 | UU |
| Cal Def eFG% vs. Utah eFG% | 113 | 51 | U |
| Cal TO% vs. Utah Def TO% | 103 | 335 | CC |
| Cal Def TO% vs. Utah TO% | 190 | 39 | UU |
| Cal Reb% vs. Utah Reb% | 2 | 162 | CC |
| Cal FTR vs. Utah Def FTR | 125 | 97 | U |
| Cal Def FTR vs. Utah FTR | 128 | 151 | C |
| Cal O-PPP vs. Utah D-PPP | 43 | 74 | C |
| Cal D-PPP vs. Utah O-PPP | 76 | 60 | U |
The stat chart actually indicates a very even game, but there’s one key fact missing: strength of schedule. Utah has played the 104th most difficult schedule, compared to Cal’s 34th most difficult. Still, Utah does enough things well (and Cal is shaky enough on the road) to make this a dangerous game.
What the Utes are is disciplined. They shoot the ball well, they don’t turn the ball over, and they make shots tough for their opponent. What they don’t do is force turnovers or rebound particularly well. Considering their frontline height, it’s a bit of a surprise. But when you consider that Plouffe has attempted 54 threes – 2nd most on the team – it perhaps indicates that she’s not your classic 6’4’’ inside bruiser constantly fighting for rebounds.
Keys to the game:
1. Take good shots - Utah is going to slow this game to a crawl, which makes every possession and shot that much more important. Cal can't afford to waste scoring chances this afternoon.
2. Great defense from the bigs - It's about Plouffe and Wicijowski for the Utes, and they might present some matchup challenges. Plouffe's ability to step back and hit 3s means she must be defended outside. If Cal can lock them down inside and out the Bears will likely cruise.
3. Absolutely dominate the glass - True, this is Cal's key every game. But it seems particularly important against a good shooting team that defends well. Per usual, Cal will likely require offensive rebounds to score consistently. Cal 'only' outrebounded Utah by 9 in the WNIT two years ago, so a dominant game is not a given.
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The women finally have a game on TV, and it starts at exactly the same time as Aaron Rodgers’ playoff game. Sigh. Well, I’m wearing my Aaron Rodgers Cal jersey over my Cal basketball t-shirt, so that should cover all the bases. And I will probably be switching madly back and forth between the games on TV. Thank goodness for DVRs so I can watch them both in full later — assuming they are worthy of watching, of course.
CGB: The Strangest Blog
They’ve got a Canadian?!? Oh well, I’m sure she’s no Emerson Murray.
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
by norcalnick on Jan 15, 2012 1:33 PM PST reply actions 1 recs
2-0 Bears
Boyd gets a step on the baseline and she’s past you!
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
Already 2 turnovers forced
and nearly a 3rd, and against a team that doesn’t turn it over. That’s an excellent sign.
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
6-2 Bears
Layshia hits a mid-range shot, Cal defense looking extra good so far.
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
6-5
And Plouffe hits a 3 over Brandon. I was worried about that.
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
And can I assume this arena is not named for the presidential candidate, but for his very wealthy father?
CGB: The Strangest Blog
8-7 Bears
Hartman ends a long drought full of bad shots and miss layups.
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
These teams are on a pace to score about 35 points each. Somebody needs to be able to score!
CGB: The Strangest Blog
Interesting stat: Cal’s bench has scored more points already this season than its bench scored all last year.
CGB: The Strangest Blog
19-17 Bears
Good game for Layshia so far, and she’s been playing well lately. We need her big time
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
21-19 at the half
Boyd and Clarendon have been excellent, but they haven’t been getting much help. Should be up by more, but we’re in an OK spot.
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
Gray gets bashed in the face
Wisely threw up the ball to turn it into a shooting foul. Veteran play from the freshman.
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
31-23 Bears
Utah with a 4-0 run, also representing their first 2nd half pints.
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
41-35 Bears
Typically, the refs called the first half very lightly but the 2nd half tight.
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
It doesn’t seem to be hurting the Bears, though. We’ve gotten a Cal on the last three misses, or so. And we’ve actually been hitting some free throws.
CGB: The Strangest Blog
BOYD!
This is the best game she’s had that I’ve actually been able to see
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
WOW! A steal, transition basket by Brandon. And one! Which she makes! Bears up by 13 and break the 50 point barrier!
CGB: The Strangest Blog
5 straight points for Utah
let’s not close up shop on offense uyet
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
8 point lead with 3:14 left
Is that where we are?
Man crush on Aaron Rodgers, since 2003.
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Thanks
Following on gametracker and just wanting to see if it’s current
Man crush on Aaron Rodgers, since 2003.
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He lied.
Man crush on Aaron Rodgers, since 2003.
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With 1:13 left
Man crush on Aaron Rodgers, since 2003.
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Offensive foul on Utah?
What happened?
Man crush on Aaron Rodgers, since 2003.
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Palms of Victory!
Man crush on Aaron Rodgers, since 2003.
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We win!
Road sweep! I’ll have a recap up in a half hour or hour.
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
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Colorado
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