California Golden Blogs, a California Golden Bears community

Is Allen Crabbe a lock for the first round?

The Orange might lack the flashy names and star power from previous years. But, that doesn't make them any less dangerous. Deploying Boeheim's trademark 2-3 zone, this is a top-notch defensive squad with elite athletes.

Standing in our way are the Runnin' Rebels from UNLV. It was heartbreak in Haas Pavilion when these teams last met. Despite heavy underdog status, the Bears had the upset in hand until Quintrell Thomas laid in an air-balled jumper at the buzzer.

Although Cal swept the season series, all bets are off during the post-season. The Utes are riding a three game winning streak into the 2nd round which includes a sweep of the Oregon schools.

Yes. Saddle up, Cal fans. It's Senior Day, and your tournament-bound Bears need to defeat Stanford for a chance at winning the conference title.

The stumblin' Utes are up next at Haas Pavilion as the sun sets on the final games of conference play. Utah's reconstruction projection remains a work in progress, but there are signs of life from their young players.

This one has "trap game" written all over it. For whatever reason, be it the crypt-like atmosphere, the lack of modern utilities, or the sheep-loving grins from the local fans, something puts us out of sync.

Cal fans and players alike shouldn't have any trouble getting fired up for this one. It's a road contest against a top-25 team. Do we tempt fate and say that winning this one could have serious post-season implications for our sturdy Golden Bears?

Bar the gates and look out for burning wagons. The USC Trojans and their Brute Squad are paying us a visit. After firing Coach Kevin O'Neill in mid-January, the Trojans have enjoyed a resurgence under 12-year assistant Bob Cantu.

Forget about hugs n' kisses. It's a revenge game as our sturdy Golden Bears prepare to face the visiting baby blues from the southern annex.