Cal WBB vs. UCLA: Gamethread

When: 8:00 PM PT
TV: Pac-12 Networks
Live Stats

So. I’m bummed, you’re bummed, we’re all bummed that Cal has been struggling. Losing 4 of 5 to fall to 3-7 in conference play does that.

But it’s worth remembering that Cal tends to bring their best efforts when UCLA is on the schedule. I don’t know if it’s a rivalry thing, or a style thing, but Cal/UCLA affairs tend to be fun.

The Bruins are, of course, playing excellent basketball. They’re 8-2, although they’ve had an absurdly kind conference schedule with 7 home games and only one game against other contenders for the conference title. This game probably represents Cal’s best (and only?) chance to revive their season with a win over an elite Pac-12 team.

UCLA is led by the inside/outside duo of Jordin Canada and Monique Billings, both averaging about 17 points/game. As a team, UCLA’s main strengths are forcing turnovers and getting to the foul line, two items that scare me as a Cal fan.

Sagarin says that UCLA should only be a 5 point favorite. That certainly feels optimistic based on how things have gone the past few weeks, but I’ll take any reason to be optimistic when I can get it. Go Bears!