Amber Aniston • January 5, 2025

No. 20 California Defeats SMU 81-66 in ACC Showdown

The No. 20 California Golden Bears rebounded from their previous loss to Clemson with a commanding 81-66 victory over SMU at Moody Coliseum on Sunday night. Led by Marta Suarez’s 19 points and Kayla Williams’ 17-point, seven-assist performance, Cal improved to 14-2 overall and 2-1 in ACC play. SMU, coming off their first-ever ACC win against Stanford, fell to 9-6 overall and 1-2 in conference action. 



Cal’s Dominance in the Second Half 

The Golden Bears relied on a balanced offensive attack and their ability to hit critical three-pointers to pull away in the second half. Cal shot 50% from the field and made 10 three-pointers, with Suarez connecting on three from beyond the arc. Williams contributed two timely triples during an 11-2 third-quarter run that extended Cal’s lead to 53-40. 


Lulu Twidale provided additional firepower off the bench with 13 points, while Ioanna Krimili added 10 points, helping Cal maintain their offensive rhythm. The Bears’ third-quarter dominance ultimately proved decisive, as SMU never got closer than nine points for the remainder of the game. 

 


A Balanced Effort 

Marta Suarez led all scorers for Cal, finishing 8-of-12 from the field, including three triples. Kayla Williams, who shot an efficient 7-of-11 from the floor, orchestrated the offense with precision, tallying seven assists. 


Twidale’s 13-point performance and Krimili’s 10 points highlighted Cal’s depth, with all five starters contributing on both ends of the court. The Bears’ ability to spread the scoring and share the ball was evident throughout the game. 

 


SMU’s Struggles and Bright Spots 

The Mustangs started strong, keeping pace with the Golden Bears in the first half. SMU ended the second quarter on a 12-2 run, highlighted by Chantae Embry’s two three-pointers. The Mustangs hit six of their final eight shots in the second period, cutting Cal’s lead to 40-36 at halftime. 


However, SMU’s defense faltered in the third quarter, allowing Cal to hit five three-pointers and outscore the Mustangs 24-15. Despite the loss, Nya Robertson delivered an impressive performance, scoring 22 points, including 13 in the fourth quarter. 


Chantae Embry added 12 points on 3-of-4 shooting from deep, while Ella Brow contributed 10 points. Jessica Peterson continued to anchor the paint for SMU, recording eight points and 13 rebounds, her 11th double-digit rebounding game this season. 

 


Key Statistics 

Cal’s efficiency from beyond the arc was a major factor in their victory. The Bears hit 10 three-pointers for the eighth time this season, showcasing their ability to stretch the floor. They also outshot SMU 50% to 39.7% from the field, demonstrating their offensive discipline. 


SMU matched their season high with nine three-pointers but struggled to contain Cal’s offensive rhythm. The Mustangs’ 15 turnovers proved costly, as the Golden Bears capitalized with crucial points in transition. 

 


Takeaways 


California: 

The Golden Bears showed resilience by bouncing back from their loss to Clemson with a convincing road win. Suarez and Williams led the way, but the team’s depth and versatility stood out as all five starters contributed significantly. With their 14th win of the season, Cal solidified their position as one of the top teams in the ACC. 


SMU: 

The Mustangs demonstrated flashes of their potential, particularly in the first half, but their inability to sustain defensive pressure in the second half proved costly. Robertson’s consistent scoring and Peterson’s dominance on the boards highlight the team’s strengths, but addressing their defensive lapses will be key moving forward. 




Looking Ahead 

California returns home to face No. 22 NC State on Thursday in what promises to be another challenging ACC matchup. The Golden Bears will look to continue their momentum and refine their offensive execution. 


SMU heads to Syracuse for an early tipoff on Thursday morning. The Mustangs will aim to regroup and address their defensive shortcomings as they look to bounce back in ACC play. 



A Competitive Conference 

The 81-66 victory for Cal emphasized the competitive nature of the ACC, with both teams showcasing their strengths and areas for growth. While Cal moves forward with confidence, SMU has shown they have the pieces to compete in their inaugural ACC season. As the conference schedule unfolds, both teams will look to build on their experiences and leave their mark on the ACC standings. 

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