Opinion
3 min read

Golden Bears Eye Redemption Against Huskies at Alaska Airlines Arena

As the California Golden Bears prepare to face off against the Washington Huskies, fans are eager for a glimpse of what might unfold at the Alaska Airlines Arena. The upcoming clash is not just another game; it's an opportunity for CAL to showcase their resilience and strategic prowess on the court.


Dec 9, 2023; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA;  California Golden Bears guard Keonte Kennedy (3) celebrates after making a three point basket against the Butler Bulldogs during the first half at Hinkle Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-USA TODAY Sports

Reflecting on their recent performances, CAL has shown both flashes of brilliance and areas in need of improvement. On December 20th, they secured a narrow victory over UC San Diego Tritons with a final score of 71-67. Their offensive execution was commendable, shooting 48 percent from the field and an impressive 46 percent from beyond the arc. The Golden Bears' defense was equally notable with five blocks and nine steals, contributing to their fast break points tallying up to 19.


However, consistency is key in basketball, and this is where CAL needs to focus. In their encounter with Ole Miss Rebels on December 17th, despite scoring more points than in their previous game (78), they fell short by ten points due to defensive lapses that allowed Rebels to shoot an efficient 52 percent from the field.


The most telling performance came during a high-pressure situation against Butler Bulldogs on December 9th. In a double-overtime thriller that saw multiple lead changes and ties, CAL scored an impressive 90 points but ultimately succumbed as Bulldogs edged them out with seven more points (97). This game highlighted both endurance and areas where tightening up defensively could make all the difference for California.


Against WASH, it's crucial that CAL leverages its strong assists turnover ratio demonstrated in past games while shoring up its defense against three-point shots – an area where Huskies have historically excelled.


The Golden Bears must also capitalize on every opportunity inside the paint where they've shown efficiency previously – converting half of their two-point attempts into scores during intense moments can be pivotal in close games like these.


With these strategies in mind and learning from past encounters, there's reason for optimism among California fans as they look forward to February 18th when their team takes on Washington Huskies at Seattle's Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:00 PM PST (1:00 AM GMT), promising another exciting chapter in college basketball that can be caught live on Pac-12 Network.

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