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When: 6:00 pm
TV: Pac-12 Networks
After more than a week off for the holidays, Cal WBB is back in action looking to snap a three game losing streak. The team they have to beat to do so is Old Dominion. The Monarchs are a solid 8-3, although they have lost badly to Duke and Louisville, as you would expect. They have a questionable loss to Rider, and their best win is probably over VCU. They are probably about as good as Long Beach State, which means that if Cal plays poorly they could certainly lose. At least this game is at home?
Personnel
Starters
G Ashley Betz-White, 5'4''
F Jennie Sims, 6'0''
F Chelisa Painter, 6'1''
F Tiffany Minor, 6'4''
F Destinee Young, 6'1''
Bench
F Odegua Oigbokie, 6'1''
G LaQuanda Younger, 5'10''
G Ashley Jackson 5'9''
Sims is the big scorer, an excellent outside shooter who finishes decently inside and gets to the line frequently. Painter is the main interior threat, and Cal's ability to defend her without fouling (read: Reshanda Gray) will be critical.
Young and Oigbokie have split starts at their position, and they will both play roughly 20 minutes. Jackson is the only other player who has participated in every game, as ODU prefers to keep the bench thin. They have three other players who will participate if foul trouble necessitates it.
ODU rebounds by committee, because they have size up and down the lineup. Cal will have to do the same.
Keys to the game
1. Defend the 3 point line: Almost a 3rd of ODU's field goal attempts are three pointers, and they are much more efficient from behind the arc than they are inside of it. A Monarch upset would almost certainly have to be fueled by hot outside shooting, so don't let it happen
2. Bounce back game from Brittany Boyd: She has to carry an unfair burden, but Cal needs more offensively from their senior point guard. It would do wonders for everybody's confidence to see her come up with a huge game before conference play starts.
3. Avoid fouling - When ODU isn't shooting 3s, they are creating contact and getting to the line. They average nearly 20 FTs per game. If Cal allows a similar number, they will risk foul trouble for multiple players. Tonight would be a good night to avoid foul trouble for multiple reasons.