Can California Golden Bears Claw Back After Narrow Loss to SMU Mustangs?

In a closely contested matchup at Haas Pavilion, the California Golden Bears fell short against the SMU Mustangs with a final score of 77-81. This game brought the Golden Bears' season record to an even split, while the Mustangs improved their standing, showcasing their strength on both ends of the court. Despite a spirited second-half rally by the home team, which saw them outscore their opponents 48-39, it wasn't enough to overcome the deficit from the first half.

Golden Bears' Standout Performances

The California Golden Bears saw significant contributions from several players. Jeremiah Wilkinson led his team in scoring with 20 points and demonstrated his sharpshooting skills by converting 43 percent of his attempts from beyond the arc. Mady Sissoko was another key player for California, contributing 16 points and grabbing eight rebounds, showcasing his efficiency with a field goal percentage of 71 percent. Rytis Petraitis also made notable contributions with 12 points and four rebounds while making two blocks that added defensive strength to his team's effort.

Mustangs' Winning Strategy

The SMU Mustangs displayed impressive teamwork and strategic play throughout the game. Their balanced attack was evident in their shooting efficiency; they shot an impressive 56 percent from both field goals and two-point range. The Mustangs capitalized on turnovers, scoring 17 points off turnovers compared to California's effort which yielded them 25 points in this category. The visitors also dominated inside, scoring 42 points in paint thanks to their effective penetration and ball movement.

Looking ahead, fans can anticipate an exciting encounter as the California Golden Bears are set to host Boston College Eagles at Haas Pavilion on March 1st at 10:00 PM EDT. This upcoming game promises another opportunity for fans to support their team in action. The match will be broadcasted live on ESPNU for those who cannot make it to Berkeley but still wish to catch all the action live.

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