The largest early season question for the Cal Women’s Basketball roster is how was it going to replace Sakima Walker’s 12 points, 7 rebounds, 1+ block and overall defensive presence in the key. We knew that returning post Naya Ojukwu could shore up the interior scoring from her play last season. Finnish center, Albina Syla, in her first several games was able to demonstrate some of the shot blocking and defensive prowess, but isn’t quite the intimidation force that Walker was last season.

Jovana Jevtovic had flashed some skills early on, but was bullied out by UCLA’s immense size. However, against a team like USF, whose tallest regular is 6’2”, the 6’4” Jevtovic used her long arms, really great hands and deft footwork on rolls and dives to the basket to dominate, sinking 8-9, including 2-2 from downtown against the Dons, dropping her 18 points in only 13 minutes, earning a nomination to the ACC Freshman of the Week short list.

Jevtovic is still a freshman, and has a lot of room to grow strength and confidence wise, but her skills will be a welcome presence off the bench.

On Sunday, in the Lake Tahoe Blue Event center, despite misfiring from 3 point range, the Bears leapt out to a 22-12 first quarter lead and cruising all the way home 87-65 win.

The Bears had balanced scoring across the board with Taylor Barnes with 18, Ruby Perkins continuing her strong freshman play with 12, and Gisella Maul chipping in 10.

Another point of encouragement, with her 3 point shot not connecting, star Lulu Twidale found other ways to contribute leading the team with 9 rebounds (!) and 6 assists.

There isn’t a lot we can learn from a game against an overmatched opponent, but its nice to be able to put a team away early and easily.

The Cal women return to the court at Haas, Nov 12 vs. the College of Charleston.

Notes:

The three Aussies were 2-15 combined from 3 point range. We think because Australia doesn’t have high mountains, the altitude adjustment was something they’ll have to work on.
The USF Dons have 13 players on their roster hailing from 11 countries! France, Spain, Canada, Sweden, Australia, Spain, Taiwan, Slovakia, Ohio, Italy and Poland.

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Cal WBB goes to Lake Tahoe, returns with a W