December 14th 2024.
Stephen Curry may not have been physically present at the game on Friday night in Berkeley, but his influence was definitely felt. The Cal Bears put on an impressive performance against their rival, Stanford, raining a record-breaking 18 3-pointers and securing a 83-63 victory. It was a historic win for the Bears, as it was their first in five years of Big Game play and their largest margin of victory since 1982.
Many are now wondering if this win signals a shift in the power dynamic of this storied rivalry. For one night, it certainly seemed like a hostile takeover by the Bears. Even Cal coach Charmin Smith acknowledged that Stanford was the favorite according to the spread, but she remains unfazed by outside opinions. She is confident that her team will continue to prove themselves and earn the respect they deserve.
It was a momentous occasion for Cal, as they played their first game in the Atlantic Coast Conference against a familiar opponent. The Bears showed off their strength and versatility, with four players scoring at least three 3-pointers. In contrast, Stanford, who also relies on the long ball, only managed to make nine out of 17 attempts. The Bears' relentless ball pressure seemed to throw off the Cardinal, who had set their own program record for 3-pointers in their season opener.
Stanford coach Kate Paye acknowledged Cal's dominance, saying that they played a fantastic game and shot the ball exceptionally well. But she also noted that the Bears simply wanted the win more. They outplayed and outcoached the Cardinal, displaying a level of motivation and aggression that Stanford couldn't match. It was clear that Cal was in control, rebounding the ball effectively and disrupting Stanford's offensive flow.
Despite some early turnovers by Stanford, they managed to stay within a few points until midway through the second quarter. But the Bears' superiority eventually caught up with them. A flurry of 3-pointers by Lulu Twidale, Kayla Williams, and Ioanna Krimili pushed Cal's lead to 28-16, setting the tone for the rest of the game.
Twidale, who finished the game with 20 points and six 3-pointers, emphasized that the Bears know their strengths and capabilities, and they don't let outside noise affect them. They showed up and did what they do best. And what they do best is score from anywhere on the court. Forward Marta Suarez led the team with 21 points, including four 3-pointers, while Krimili and Williams also made significant contributions with 20 and 13 points respectively.
Although Stanford managed to stay within reach at halftime, trailing 33-24, the Bears accelerated in the third quarter. They extended their lead to 52-30 by the media timeout and seemed to be playing the game on their own terms. But the highlight of the night came in the final seconds of the third quarter, when Suarez, who stands at 6-foot-3, dribbled past half-court, executed a behind-the-back move, and launched a Curry-esque 30-foot shot that went in at the buzzer. This incredible play gave Cal a commanding 63-40 lead heading into the final quarter.
Suarez admitted that she took the shot on a whim, feeling confident and in the flow of the game. And it paid off, as it was a major blow to Stanford and a huge boost for the Bears. The team was clearly having fun and celebrating throughout the game, and Suarez's buzzer-beater was the cherry on top.
But even after such a monumental win, Coach Smith felt that the energy in Haas Pavilion wasn't matching the significance of the moment. So she took the microphone and led the crowd in the "Bear Territory" chant, a tradition typically reserved for football games. The fans rose to the occasion, matching Smith's energy and truly embracing the victory.
Smith, who was once a teammate of Stanford coach Kate Paye during their playing days, has been steadily building up the Cal program since taking over in 2019. She was determined not to let this defining moment go to waste. And if the Bears keep playing at this level, their fans will have plenty to cheer for as they head into the March tournament.
In the end, Smith's message was clear: when you beat Stanford, you make sure to let the whole world know that this is Bear Territory. And with their incredible performance against their rival, the Cal Bears have certainly earned that right.
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