Sakima Walker scored 17 points, leading the California Golden Bears to a 61-52 victory over the Wake Forest Demon Deacons. This win, achieved at Haas Pavilion, ended a three-game losing streak for Cal.
Cal Women’s Team Performance
California, now with a record of 10-8 and 1-4 in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), demonstrated strong defensive skills. The Bears limited Wake Forest (12-6, 2-4) to single-digit point totals in both the first and second quarters. At halftime, Cal held a 12-point lead.
- Sakima Walker: 17 points
- Gisella Maul: 13 points
- Lulu Twidale: 12 points
Although Wake Forest narrowed the gap to five points in the fourth quarter, the Bears maintained their composure. They held the Demon Deacons to 2-for-7 shooting in the final minutes of the game and forced 13 turnovers, converting them into the same number of points.
Coach’s Reflections
Head coach Charmin Smith expressed satisfaction with her team’s performance. She noted the urgency and effort displayed, saying, “It’s nice to actually have it pay off in the win column.” This victory is expected to bolster the team’s confidence.
Stanford vs. Duke Game Summary
In another matchup, the Stanford Cardinal faced the Duke Blue Devils, losing 67-60. Despite the Cardinal’s Nunu Agara scoring 17 points and securing 10 rebounds, Stanford could not overcome the Blue Devils’ strong play.
- Stanford Record: 14-4, 3-2 ACC
- Duke Record: 11-6, 6-0 ACC
Stanford briefly tied the game at 52-52 early in the fourth quarter and only trailed by one with under five minutes to go. However, Duke responded with an 8-0 run, keeping Stanford at bay and securing their eighth consecutive win.
Coach’s Insights
Stanford head coach Kate Paye expressed disappointment regarding her team’s competitive level in this match. She commended Duke’s performance and emphasized the need for her team to improve.
Conclusion
California’s win against Wake Forest and Stanford’s loss to Duke highlight the contrasting fortunes of the two teams. Moving forward, both teams will look to build on their respective performances in the upcoming games.
