Stanford Men’s Basketball defeats Cal 73-68

Stanford basketball defeated the California Golden Bears Friday night in Maples Pavilion 73-68. Reid Travis and Dorian Pickens had big nights on offense but it was the Stanford defense that led the way for the Cardinal according to Pickens. Cal star Ivan Rabb ran into foul trouble early, but it was a 20-5 Stanford run in the second half that decided the game. The Stanford basketball record improves to 13-13 while Cal’s drops to 18-8. Recaps and highlights are below.

Highlights: Stanford men's basketball tops rival California at Maples

Recap from Stanford Athletics:

“After California closed within 62-56 on Grant Mullins' 3-pointer with 4:54 remaining. Allen made two free throws and Pickens scored on a jumper from the free-throw line as he was falling backward onto the court.”

Stanford Men's Basketball vs. Cal

Recap from the AP via ESPN:

“California's loss was costly. The Bears failed to complete their first season sweep of the Cardinal since 2009-10 and missed a chance to strengthen their position in the Pac-12 standings.

As it is, coach Cuonzo Martin's team could drop into a tie for fourth depending on the outcome of USC's game against No. 6 UCLA on Saturday.”

Stanford vs. Cal: Stanford Basketball Press Conference

Recap from the San Francisco Chronicle:

“Against Cal on Friday night it showed not only further improvement but also something that first-year head coach Jerod Haase has been pushing for all season: passion.

The ninth-place Cardinal shrugged off an abysmal start, took the lead late in the first half and took control in the second half for a 73-68 victory. It was their 21st win over the Bears in their past 24 meetings at Maples Pavilion.”

Celebration:

Recap from the San Jose Mercury News:

“Stanford (13-13, 5-9) missed nine of its first 10 shots and trailed 19-7 to start the game. From that hole, the Cardinal fashioned its sixth win in the past seven years over Cal at Maples Pavilion.

The Cardinal stifled Cal with an effective zone defense and it displayed the passion first-year coach Jerod Haase has asked for all season.”

Bonus Video!

Recap from our friends at Cal Golden Blogs:

“This was a chance. A mid-February opportunity. You don't get those back and you don't get many more like them. If we lose a few more of these, we lose the season along with it.

On the other hand, this was not the last opportunity. Cal will win at least one more of its conference games, and they will have a solid chance in each of the remaining three. I don't know if this team has a run in it. The data don't really support that possibility, and if you're that kind of fan, then you'd be justified in giving up hope now.”

Bears, Beats, Battle Star Galactica