Bears Handle San Jose State 74-51

BERKELEY – The California women’s basketball team’s defense once again played a key role in helping the Golden Bears extend their win streak to start the season to six games and defeat San Jose State (3-3), 74-51, on the first day of the Raising The B.A.R. Invitational at Haas Pavilion Friday afternoon. The 6-0 record marks the best start to a season for the Bears under head coach Charmin Smith. Cal forced the Spartans into 28 turnovers resulting in 29 points.
 
“I thought it was a really good team effort and we wanted to limit our minutes because anticipating this championship matchup tomorrow, I wanted to have fresh legs for starters, so credit to the bench,” Smith said. “We had 30 bench points. So we’re really proud of what Ila and Mia were able to do and the whole bench just coming in and allowing us to sit Leilani. When has that ever happened? So I’m really excited about that and how we played as a team.”
 
Several Bears had career efforts in the win: Marta Suárez posted her first-ever double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds, McKayla Williams grabbed a game-high 12 rebounds, Michelle Onyiah nabbed five steals and Lulu Twidale knocked down four 3-pointers.
 
“I challenged the guards before the game…