Lars Thiemann

What started as a promising defensive showing ultimately ended with a second half meltdown. Cal’s mere 28% from the field made it nearly impossible for a victory.

The final two days of the Emerald Coast Classic in Niceville, Florida were anything but nice to the Bears.

In the face of Cal’s intense pressure, Texas State responded with complete sangfroid. The Bobcats were resolute in earning their points the old-fashioned way — in the paint — and capitalized on Cal’s overeagerness to launch fast breaks by dominating the offensive boards.

More concerning than its record is the manner in which Cal ceded both games. The Bears’ performances this season have displayed multiple cold shooting stretches with seemingly no end and only the most fleeting moments of offensive inspiration.

A Kansas State three-pointer followed by a technical on coach Fox at the 12-minute mark seemed to be the blue and gold’s breaking point.

Although the home opener has not been an indication of the blue and gold’s work during the summer, the sample size remains small and Friday afternoon could be an opportunity for redemption for the Bears.

Cal entered the game with a perfect 33-0 record against UC Davis, last renewing their dominance against the Aggies in 2019. The Bears relinquished their undefeated standing in the matchup, however, losing 65-75.

Between its historic 33-0 winning record against UC Davis and 2-1 home opening record for as long as head coach Mark Fox has been at the helm, it’s not far-fetched to claim that the fans were optimistic ones. Fans that certainly weren’t expecting a 75-65 Cal loss.

In a matchup with the No. 2 team in the nation, the Bears felt the wrath of the Wildcats’ bigs as they lost 61-89.

It was a tale of two halves. Though Cal men's basketball cut the lead down to as little as one, it couldn’t finish the rally against Utah.