The California Golden Bears (7-10, 2-8 Pac-12) dropped another game Saturday night, 68-76, this time against the USC Trojans (12-3, 6-2 Pac-12).
Matt Bradley, long the Golden Bears' star player, returned after missing the last five games because of a left ankle injury suffered against the Oregon State Beavers on Jan. 2. The junior guard, whose play was reported as a game-time decision this afternoon, contributed 11 points and two rebounds in 24 minutes of play.
Despite the final scoreline, California and USC shot an identical 41%, as both teams scored on 24 out of 58 field-goal attempts.
The difference came from behind the arc and the charity stripe.
California sophomore DJ Thorpe and junior Andre Kelly both fouled out, with Kelly called for a technical foul with 5:57 remaining in the second half. The Trojans capitalized and made 78% of their free throws.
The Golden Bears, best known for its many three-point attempts in the Pac-12 Conference, was bested by USC from behind the arc. The Trojans shot 47% from downtown, connecting with the net on seven out of their 15 attempts.
Again, senior forward Grant Anticevich led the Golden Bears in scoring, putting up 15 points against the Trojans and adding two rebounds and three assists to his stat sheet.
Sophomore guard Joel Brown also posted 15 points, including a perfect two-for-two from downtown, plus a team-high seven rebounds and one assist.
After getting swept by the Los Angeles schools at home, the California Golden Bears will travel to Tempe, Ariz., this coming week to face off against the Arizona State Sun Devils. The Sun Devils are one a five-game losing streak and have suffered an irregular season with five games canceled or postponed because of Covid-19 issues within the conference.
Bears are close. Big games from Brown and DJ are encouraging. Grant is consistently getting it done now. Bradley will regain his rhythm, game shape and get back fully healthy. 2nd half of conference can look a lot different
Cal is one good big guy from having a better than 500 team. Still, could be a sleeper in the Pac 12 tournament, if one is held this year. Joel Brown is as quick as anyone. We just need a good inside scorer. Fox is doing a good job with this team.
Cal hanging tough. My new top six players for Cal given Brown's performance tonight -- Bradley, Anticevich, Hyder, Kelly, Brown, Thorpe. Game is about even midway through the second half. We're going to win this one against a good USC team.
Insta-Reaction: Cal Men's Basketball Defeated by USC, Despite Matt Bradley's Return
Bears are close. Big games from Brown and DJ are encouraging. Grant is consistently getting it done now. Bradley will regain his rhythm, game shape and get back fully healthy. 2nd half of conference can look a lot different
Cal is one good big guy from having a better than 500 team. Still, could be a sleeper in the Pac 12 tournament, if one is held this year. Joel Brown is as quick as anyone. We just need a good inside scorer. Fox is doing a good job with this team.
It’s a see saw game. With Matt Bradley back!!
Cal hanging tough. My new top six players for Cal given Brown's performance tonight -- Bradley, Anticevich, Hyder, Kelly, Brown, Thorpe. Game is about even midway through the second half. We're going to win this one against a good USC team.
Go Bears!