Opinion
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Clash at Desert Financial Arena: California Golden Bears vs Arizona State Sun Devils

As the California Golden Bears prepare to face off against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Desert Financial Arena, fans are eager to see if their team can carry forward the momentum from their recent victory over UC San Diego Tritons. The Golden Bears' performance on December 20th showcased a balanced attack and a resilient defense that led them to a narrow 71-67 win.


Feb 11, 2023; Berkeley, California, USA; California Golden Bears guard Joel Brown (1) passes the basketball against Arizona State Sun Devils guard Austin Nunez (2) during the second half at Haas Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports

The statistics from that game reveal some of the strengths that CAL will be looking to replicate in their upcoming match. With an impressive field goal percentage of 48 percent and an even more remarkable three-point percentage of 46 percent, it's clear that shooting efficiency has been a key factor for the Golden Bears. Their ability to convert from beyond the arc could be pivotal against ASU.


Moreover, CAL's defensive prowess was on full display as they racked up 5 blocks and 9 steals, disrupting UC San Diego's offensive flow. This defensive intensity will need to be at its peak once again when they go head-to-head with ASU.


Feb 11, 2023; Berkeley, California, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils forward Alonzo Gaffney (32) is celebrates with Arizona State Sun Devils guard Devan Cambridge (35) after the basket against California Golden Bears forward Grant Newell (14) during overtime period at Haas Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports

However, it wasn't all smooth sailing for CAL in recent games. A tough encounter with Ole Miss Rebels on December 17th saw them fall short despite scoring a respectable 78 points. The Rebels outshone them with higher shooting accuracy across the board and capitalized on turnovers better than CAL did.


In another high-scoring affair against Butler Bulldogs on December 9th, which extended into double overtime, CAL scored an impressive 90 points but still ended up losing by seven points in a thrilling contest that ended with a scoreline of 97-90 in favor of Butler.


Feb 11, 2023; Berkeley, California, USA; California Golden Bears forward Lars Thiemann (21) shoots over Arizona State Sun Devils forward Duke Brennan (24) during the second half at Haas Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports

For CAL fans looking ahead, there is reason for optimism as well as caution. The team has demonstrated they can put up big numbers offensively but must tighten up defensively if they wish to secure victory away from home.


The upcoming game is scheduled for February 3rd at Desert Financial Arena in Tempe at precisely eight o'clock PM local time (8:00 PM). Fans won't want to miss this exciting matchup and can catch all the action live on Pac-12 Network.

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