Kentucky is as advertised, with very disruptive defense.

But Cal is staying with it mentally, and playing good defense of their own. It's super fun to watch McIntosh take on the challenge; you can almost see her screaming (internally) "BRING IT!"

Game tied at 22 at the half.

Kentucky's Howard, who had been struggling from the field, just hit a three.

Worse, Cal's McIntosh just picked up her fourth foul.

Halfway through the third, Cal down 32-26.

Could lead by 10 if they could hit the outside shot. Most were uncontested too.

...and bunnies! Birdy missed at least 3!

OBear073akaSMFan said:

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...and bunnies! Birdy missed at least 3!

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Yep, this is the first game where that has been an issue all game long. Usually they shake it off by the second quarter.

Cal cut Kentucky's lead to 42-37 after three.

19 TO's thus far. Tough team to play against. Hopefully, it is a good learning experience on that.

Freshmen playing like vets against the #14 team in the country.

Why oh why did the refs swallow their whistle on the last Cal shot?

also Howard is a pretty good player for Kentucky (yeah, that's an understatement)

That really was a horrendous no call at the end.
They nearly always do it - swallow the whistle - but a foul is a foul. She should be able to get off a clean shot from that distance. They took the last shot a bit too early, which left enough for Cal to get a good shot.

PearBear, you're right - I thought the difference tonight was Kentucky's defense and Rhyne Howard.

Tough to lose but we were in it till the end and likely learned some good lessons.

I agree with Charmin about this being a smart team. I've been thinking of other words--composed, mentally tough... And perhaps those also apply. But this team has shown me that they are smart and they trust in their team play.

I will be honest, it's been a change to have faith that Cal will be the team that executes down the stretch.

GO BEARS!

Thank you for posting the press conference.....Kentucky's defense was incredible...they caused so many turnovers....our players are quick and very focused, but were overwhelmed at times. If we had gotten the rebound after C.J. missed her foul shot, could have been a win. When the defense just never lets up the pressure with every posession, it is difficult to execute the offense. Bird was hanging her head on the way out of the gym, and one of her teammates was there for her. I am amazed with the tenacity and grit this team shows. I had lost hope for the women's program after last season. It has been hard for me to watch our teams get crushed at times by the top teams in the Pac-12. I feel badly for the players. Wow, what a turn around! These players have responded to Charmin's coaching magnificently, and support one another. I had faith in Charmin from the minute I watched the press conference when she was introduced as the Head Coach. GO BEARS!!

Even the rhythm of Charmin's timeouts seems on target. She seem to have no question about when she needs to talk to her players and regroup a bit.

pearbear said:

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I agree with Charmin about this being a smart team. I've been thinking of other words--composed, mentally tough... And perhaps those also apply. But this team has shown me that they are smart and they trust in their team play.

I will be honest, it's been a change to have faith that Cal will be the team that executes down the stretch.

GO BEARS!

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To be composed and mentally tough you have to have confidence and that comes from the support and encouragement from the coaches and teammates.

It also helps to be prepared. I love how Charmin has the team practice in various game situations so the players know what to expect and what to do.

GATC said:

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pearbear said:

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I agree with Charmin about this being a smart team. I've been thinking of other words--composed, mentally tough... And perhaps those also apply. But this team has shown me that they are smart and they trust in their team play.

I will be honest, it's been a change to have faith that Cal will be the team that executes down the stretch.

GO BEARS!

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To be composed and mentally tough you have to have confidence and that comes from the support and encouragement from the coaches and teammates.

It also helps to be prepared. I love how Charmin has the team practice in various game situations so the players know what to expect and what to do.

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Not germane to Cal, all teams do this. To believe this is an edge for Cal is not pragmatic nor a reality. All coaches/teams do this.