The California Golden Bears kicked off their 2024-25 campaign with a commanding 80-58 victory over Washington State at Haas Pavilion on Monday night, establishing early momentum with a balanced offensive attack. Senior guard Lulu Twidale anchored the performance with a career-high 26 points, sinking six 3-pointers to stretch the floor and disrupt the Cougars’ defensive rhythm. Freshman Shannon Dowell provided immediate impact off the bench, contributing 17 points to help Cal build a 16-11 lead after the first quarter and extend the advantage to 13 points at halftime.
Key Match Highlights & Tactical Analysis
Statistically, the Bears controlled every facet of the game, limiting Washington State to a sluggish 35% field goal percentage while dominating the glass with a 48-34 rebounding advantage. Cal’s efficiency at the free-throw line further widened the gap, as the team converted 21 of their attempts compared to just seven for the Cougars. Although Washington State’s Eleonora Villa led all scorers with 20 points, the Cougars could not sustain a competitive threat, as Cal maintained a lead of at least eight points throughout the entire second half.
This win marks a strong start for a Cal roster that returns four starters from a 21-15 season, signaling a return to form for the program. While the Pacific-12 Conference faces its own turbulence elsewhere, with Stanford falling to Arizona in Las Vegas despite an 11-0 third-quarter run, Cal’s disciplined execution and defensive intensity suggest the Bears are poised for a deep run this year. The early success provides a crucial confidence boost as the team prepares for upcoming conference matchups.
Source: Yahoo Sports
