Opinion
3 min read

Can the Golden Bears Outshine the Cardinal at Maples Pavilion?

As the California Golden Bears prepare to face off against their long-time rivals, the Stanford Cardinal, fans are buzzing with anticipation for what promises to be an electrifying encounter at Maples Pavilion. The upcoming game scheduled for March 7th is not just another mark on the calendar; it's a battle of wits, strategy, and sheer willpower.


Jan 28, 2023; Stanford, California, USA; California Golden Bears forward Grant Newell (14) shoots over Stanford Cardinal forward Harrison Ingram (55) during the first half at Maples Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-USA TODAY Sports

The Golden Bears have shown remarkable resilience and skill in their recent games. On February 25th against Oregon Ducks at Haas Pavilion, CAL emerged victorious with a score of 69-64. Their performance was notable for its balance between offense and defense. With a field goal percentage of 41 and free throw accuracy hitting an impressive 91 percent, they demonstrated that they could maintain composure under pressure while capitalizing on scoring opportunities.


Their tenacity was even more apparent in their clash with Oregon State Beavers two days earlier. The Golden Bears' offensive prowess shone through as they racked up 81 points against ORST's defense. Their three-point shooting was particularly lethal that night – sinking shots at a rate of 48 percent from beyond the arc – showcasing their ability to stretch defenses and create scoring chances from all over the court.


Jan 28, 2023; Stanford, California, USA; California Golden Bears forward Lars Thiemann (21) shoots over Stanford Cardinal forward Max Murrell (10) during the first half at Maples Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-USA TODAY Sports

However, it's not just about putting points on the board; CAL has also been assertive defensively. In their game against Washington Huskies on February 18th in Seattle, they grabbed an impressive total of 44 rebounds and blocked three shots while stealing six times from WASH players which contributed significantly to their narrow win of 82-80.


But now comes a true test: facing STAN on their home court where crowd support can be as daunting as any opponent's defense. The Cardinal will not make this easy; they're known for being formidable adversaries who can turn games around in moments of brilliance.


Jan 28, 2023; Stanford, California, USA; Stanford Cardinal guard Isa Silva (1) drives around California Golden Bears guard DeJuan Clayton (33) during the second half at Maples Pavilion. Stanford defeated California 75-46. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-USA TODAY Sports

Yet there is reason to believe that CAL has what it takes to emerge triumphant once again. They've shown growth throughout these past games – both individually and collectively – which suggests that when faced with adversity, they rise rather than crumble.


Fans eager to witness this latest chapter unfold can tune into ESPN Networks at precisely 8:00 PM local time on March 7th or join fellow supporters at Maples Pavilion where every cheer counts towards pushing California Golden Bears towards another memorable victory.

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