Cal women's basketball sweeps Washington schools, capped by OT game-winner vs. WSU

This is the first conference weekend sweep for the California Golden Bears in the Charmin Smith era.

Cal has had their troubles in the Charmin Smith era as they recover from COVID, but they landed two huge wins this weekend that should get them back on the right track.

The Bears started by roughing up the Washington Huskies (video highlights available on Twitter) to hand them only their second loss on the season, winning 70-52. Cal's defensive effort limited Washington to a season-low 36.1% shooting. The Bears' 50.9% field goal and 42.9% 3-point shooting marked season highs.

Ioanna Krimili, back from injury, led with a season-high 21 points, including impressive 3-point shooting. Michelle Onyiah contributed 11 points and eight rebounds, while Marta Suárez added 10 points. Leilani McIntosh's three assists and a steal elevated her to fifth in career assists and ninth in steals in Cal's history. Coach Charmin Smith praised the team's balanced play, acknowledging the challenge posed by Washington's strong defense.

Washington State was even more formidable today (video highlights available on Twitter), as Charlisse Leger-Walker did her best to snatch the victory away for the Bears with a game-tying shot at the end of regulation and a few big shots in overtime, but the tenacity of Michelle Onyaih was huge, putting up several offensive rebound putbacks, including the eventual game-winner (video highlight here). Mastrov stripped Leger-Walker on the drive to secure the win.

Krimili scored 21 points again, Suárez had her fifth double-double of the season with 17 points and 12 rebounds, and Onyiah scored 14 points to round out the Bears in double figures.

Cal has now nearly matched its win total from last season, improving to 12-3 and 2-1 in Pac-12 play. These are promising signs for the Bears, who are off to their best start since 2016-17.