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November 25 -- December 1, 2024
Issue No. 565
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Free Throws
Could Sink
The Warriors
by Dave Newhouse
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Clank! That sound disgusts Rick Barry. Clank! He hears it while watching the Golden State Warriors shoot free throws badly. Clank! Will this glaring team deficiency derail his former team's championship hopes?
“It’s almost beyond comprehension,” he declared. “Look at the Warriors box scores and see how many games they would have won by making free throws.”
The Warriors are 30th, or dead last, in NBA free-throw shooting percentage at 69.5. Back when the Warriors won the NBA championship in 1974-75, their free-throw percentage was 76.8, placing them 8th among the league’s then 18 teams.
“You’re going to win at least four or five games by shooting 80 percent,” Barry said of free-throw accuracy. “Statistically, there’s no argument.”
Barry should be listened to as one of the NBA’s greatest free-throw shooters. His career percentage of 90.0 places him fourth behind Stephen Curry at 91.0, and Steve Nash and Mark Price, tied for second at 90.4. Barry is first among the big man positions, but he’s befuddled by all that clanking at the charity stripe.
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"My style is the best style; it’s proven. But it’s very rare
that anyone listens to me.”
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“It always befuddles me,” he said, “that a game (the NBA) which has gone on 75 years, and free throws are the only part of the game where nothing changes. Same sized ball, same shooting distance. it’s crazy.”
Here are NBA players who clank with regularity, even when nobody is guarding them or rushing them to shoot — serenity compared with other frantic aspects of fast-paced basketball. But the Warriors were inept free-throw shooters prior to this season, yet their coach, Steve Kerr, doesn’t seem overly concerned.
After losing to the Los Angeles Clippers last week, 102-99, when the visiting Warriors made 9 of 19 free throws to the Clippers’ 16 of 18, this was Kerr’s reaction to that imbalance:
“I don’t think it was strictly free throws. Maybe free throws bite into your confidence the rest of the game (as a) distraction —leaving easy points on the line.”
Kerr was a deadly free-throw shooter himself, but in a self-damaging comment, he added: “It’s not where we spend an hour of practice, and everybody is going to shoot free throws.”
Why not? The Warriors’ free-throw failings might be the one negative that prevents them from regaining championship form this season. It’s those close games, as Barry pointed out, that could wind up as a loud clank.
“It makes no sense,” he continued. “If you practice enough, you should be focused on your routine. And if your boss tells you that you have to work on something, you’re going to tell him no? You’re making millions of dollars, and you don’t want to change?
“I had one player come to me -- I won’t name him — to work on his free throws, and he improved to 80 percent. Then he went back to his old ways, and he shot 55-60 percent.”
Barry, of course, shot free throws underhanded, a method that is anathema in today's NBA.
“It’s a softer shot, less moveable parts,” he offers repeatedly. “It’s been proven scientifically that it’s a more efficient way to shoot free throws. My style is the best style; it’s proven. But it’s very rare that anyone listens to me.”
Why wouldn’t anyone listen to Barry, one of the 20 best players in NBA history — shooter, passer, rebounder and ball-stealer, who led the NBA in each of these categories except rebounding. Oh, yes, free-throw leader, too, naturally.
Rick Barry still is a superb athlete at 80, living in Colorado or Florida, where this phone interview occurred. He may be the greatest NBA player in octogenarian pursuits. He just won his third national Pickle Ball tournament in both singles and mixed doubles in his age group.
He’s hardly clanking with age.
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Dave Newhouse's journalism career spans more than half a century, including 45 years at the Oakland Tribune before his retirement in November 2011. Newhouse is the author of 19 books. His most recent book, Goodbye, Oakland, is available in bookstores and from Triumph Books. Dave grew up in Menlo Park, graduated from San Jose State, and has radio and television experience, in addition to his work as an award-winning sportswriter and columnist. For earlier articles by Dave published in Sports Today, click HERE.
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49ers Lose 38-10 at Green Bay
After a dismal start, the Niners clawed back near the end of the first half and trailed 17-7, which masked the previous action. The number of injured 49ers was astronomical -- from Purdy to Trent Williams, Bosa, punter Mitch Wishnowsky and every position in between. The defense could not stop Josh Jacobs or QB Jordan Love, and Green Bay ran and passed with impunity. 49er penalties only aggravated the situation. At 17-0 it looked like a long day, but KITTLEMANIA came through with one minute left in the half as he leaped for a Brandon Allen (in for Purdy) pass in the end zone for a TD. It seemed like SF had some momentum.
However, Deebo's 87-yard kickoff return on the first play of the second half was called back, and fans didn't need a soothsayer to foresee the future. San Francisco stopped Green Bay after Leonard Floyd sacked Jordan Love, but penalties on Ricky Pearsall's punt return pushed SF back to their 10-yard line. An interception and a pass interference call in the end zone gave the Packers the ball on the one-yard line, easy Pickins for Josh Jacobs, who had three TDs on the day. Jake Moody's 48-yard FG made it 24-10 after the third quarter.
After a pass rush forced a Green Bay punt, another good Pearsall return was called back. The fourth quarter was a 49er low point. A sack on Allen caused a loose ball, recovered by the Packers, which led to a Jacobs TD run (31-10). A CMC 25-yard run ended as the ball was knocked loose. After a pass to the wide-open spaces of the middle of the field and an easy TD to Heath, it was 38-10, Packers.
Brandon Allen played well once the cobwebs were gone, and he and Kittle connected for six receptions for 82 yards and a TD. Some more Jordan Mason to complement CMC would improve the run-game, which totaled 44 yards. (Yikes.) By comparison, penalties totaled 77 yards. (Also a Yikes.) In sum, San Francisco will get players back, the problems with penalties and turnovers will be addressed and teams in the NFC West will continue to lose. The season is NOT over.
Game Summary, YouTube: (10:42)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6nYXZUYKqw
Robert A. Moselle, Esq.
https://www.cce-mcle.com
Marketing Director, Sports Today
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"I am enclosing two tickets to the first night of my new play; bring a friend, if you have one."
-- George Bernard Shaw to Winston Churchill
"Cannot possibly attend first night, will attend second...if there is one."
-- Winston Churchill, in response
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Contents
Games
Cal Bears 24, Stanford Cardinal 21
Cal Bears (MBB) 78, Air Force Falcons 69
Cal Bears (WBB) 63, Auburn Tigers 59
Features & Commentary
DaLe Gas Also Has A Downside, by Howard Pearlstein
Free Throws Could Sink The Warriors, by Dave Newhouse
John McEnroe, from the Autograph Colletion of Rich Yee
Newsletter, Image, Likeness, by Darren Heitner, Esq.
Sports Haiku, by Robert Moselle
Organizations
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Bay Area Falcons
Bay Area Panthers
Bay FC
Cal Bears
Cal State University East Bay
Golden State Warriors
Oakland A's
Oakland Ballers
Oakland Roots SC
Oakland Soul SC
Oakland Spiders
Saint Mary's College Gaels
San Francisco 49ers
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San Francisco Giants
San Francisco Nighthawks
San Jose Earthquakes
San Jose State Spartans
Santa Clara Broncos
SF City
Sonoma Raceway
St. Francis Yacht Club
Stanford Cardinal
UC Davis Aggies
University of Pacific Tigers
USF Dons
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna
Seca
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Cal Bears 24
Stanford Cardinal 21
Memorial Stadium, Berkeley, CA
Saturday, November 23, 2024
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Pregame: the University of California honored its 31 graduating seniors as the Golden Bears played host to the Stanford Cardinal in the 127th Big Game, an ACC Conference game at Memorial Stadium in Berkeley, CA on November 23. Photo and caption
by Ron Sellers.
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Getting Cal on the scoreboard, senior wide receiver Trond Grizzell (#83) collects a 16-yard pass to score early in the second quarter.
Photo and caption by Ron Sellers.
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Cal senior outside linebacker David Reese (#7) makes contact with Ashton Daniels, preventing the Cardinal quarterback's pass from reaching its target. Photo and caption by Ron Sellers. | |
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Taking touchdown celebrations to a new height, Mikey Matthews (#8) and Jonathan Brady (#6, obscured), who scored the first of his two touchdowns, complete the move.
Photo and caption by Ron Sellers.
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With the game-winning catch, Jonathan Brady (#6) watches the ball sail into his hands, scoring his second touchdown with only 2:40 remaining in the game for the winning score.
Photo and caption by Ron Sellers.
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Cal Bears 78
Air Force Academy Falcons 69
Haas Pavilion, Berkeley, CA
Thursday, November 21, 2024
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The Falcons of the Air Force Academy entered Haas Pavilion hoping for a steal, but the Golden Bears prevailed, extending their win streak to two games and are now 4-1 in the young season. Already new transfer students are making their presence known on the court with a slashing to the bucket focus, drawing fouls or easy baskets. Above, in the pregame player introductions, the house lights are dropped to showcase the team hype video.
Photo and caption by Ron Sellers.
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Cal Bears 63
Auburn Tigers 59
Haas Pavilion, Berkeley, CA
Friday, November 22, 2024
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Cal Bears sophomore Lulu Twidale hit four three-pointers on the way to a team-high 22 points as the Bears improved to 6-0 on the season after defeating the Auburn Tigers, 63-59, at Haas Pavilion on Friday, November 22nd. Caption and photo
by Darren Yamashita.
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California Golden Bears guard Lulu Twidale (10) and Auburn Tigers forward Taylen Collins (14) pursue a loose ball during the third quarter at Haas Pavilion. Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita. | |
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Forward Michelle Onyiah intercepts a pass with 1:02 left in the game to preserve a two-point lead. Onyiah led the team with eight rebounds while contributing 11 points. Caption and photo
by Darren Yamashita.
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Warriors Community Foundation Grants Record $3.65 Million to
69 Local Nonprofits
Foundation Has Surpassed $47 Million In Cumulative Impact Supporting Education And Youth
Development Since 2012
SAN FRANCISCO – The Golden State Warriors have announced that the Warriors Community Foundation will donate a record $3.65 million to 69 local nonprofits as part of its annual grants slate this season, which tops last year’s $3.25 million as the most-ever awarded in a single season. The Warriors Community Foundation has now surpassed $47 million in cumulative impact to support education and youth development in the Bay Area since its inception in 2012.
Earlier this week, Warriors players, coaches and broadcasters made personal calls to various recipients of this year’s Warriors Community Foundation grants to inform them of their funds. Warriors Head Coach Steve Kerr and guard Gary Payton II were among the representatives to make calls on behalf of the Warriors Community Foundation. For videos of the calls, CLICK HERE.
In total, 67 Bay Area nonprofits will receive grants ranging from $20,000 to $75,000, while the Oakland Unified School District and San Francisco Unified School District will receive annual flagship grants of $200,000 each. For a full list of 2024-25 grantees, CLICK HERE.
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Jeff Garcia Launches Endowment for Football Student-Athletes at SJSU
SAN JOSE, Calif. – Former San José State football star Jeff Garcia is establishing the "Jeff Garcia Endowment for Football Student-Athletes," announced by the university on Friday.
“Helping student-athletes achieve their goals has always been a passion of mine,” said Garcia. “I know firsthand the dedication and hard work required to excel in academics and athletics. This endowment is my way of giving back to the program that shaped my career and helping future generations thrive.”
The San Francisco 49ers star and Grey Cup champion has always been dedicated to developing student-athletes and recognizing their unique challenges on the field and in the classroom. This endowment will provide scholarships, mentorship programs, and resources to enhance the overall experience of football players at San José State.
"We are very excited to see Jeff Garcia continue to give back to his alma mater and help San José State as we continue to navigate the ever-changing NCAA landscape," said Director of Athletics Jeff Konya. "Jeff is a proud alum and is helping us create a cutting-edge experience for our student-athletes."
The Jeff Garcia Endowment will focus on several key areas:
- Scholarships for deserving student-athletes to alleviate financial burdens.
- Mentorship programs connect current players with alumni and professionals in various fields.
- Workshops and resources focusing on personal development, career planning, and life skills.
In his three seasons as a Spartan, Garcia passed for 6,545 yards and 48 touchdowns. He led the Spartans to their first win against a Big Ten opponent in the 1992 win at Minnesota and was an All-Big West quarterback his junior and senior seasons, plus was an All-American his sophomore year.
Garcia then went on to a great NFL career with several teams, including the 49ers and the Philadelphia Eagles. A four-time Pro Bowl selection, Garcia is passionate about community service and empowering young athletes.
SJSU Athletics would also like to recognize some additional endowments in 2024, including Thomas and Carol Brandi and the McSwain Family Endowed Athletics Scholarship in memory of Don McSwain (1970, '74) and Maryanna McSwain (1968).
To become part of One Spartan Nation or if you and your family are interested in setting up your own special endowment, please contact Greg Lynch at 408-893-7704.
www.sjsuspartans.com
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Advertise in Sports Today!
Special Rates Available!
Ann Cooke, Sales Director
Or call (510) 414-5394
anncooke510@gmail.com
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Prospect's journey to 40-man roster a 'story of perseverance'
by Maria Guardado @mi_guardado
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This story was excerpted from Maria Guardado's Giants Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.
The Giants knew Carson Ragsdale had the talent to develop into an impact arm. The only question was whether the 6-foot-8 right-hander would be able to stay healthy enough to consistently perform on the mound.
Acquired from the Phillies in exchange for Sam Coonrod, Ragsdale recorded a solid 4.43 ERA over 24 starts for Single-A San Jose in his first season in the Giants organization in 2021, but he endured a major setback the following year, when he missed almost the entire '22 campaign after undergoing surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome.
Ragsdale returned to post a 2.93 ERA with 42 strikeouts over 27 2/3 innings in seven starts for High-A Eugene in 2023, but he ended up being shut down again with a right elbow injury and didn’t pitch after May 13. Ragsdale became eligible for the Rule 5 Draft for the first time last fall, but the Giants opted to leave him unprotected since he’d been limited to only 12 appearances over the previous two seasons.
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"Join us for Great Food, Great Beer and a Great Time."
We are located one block from the Moscone Convention Center, only a short walk from many of downtown San Francisco's familiar hotels, attractions, and diverse businesses. Open Monday through Thursday 4pm. Friday, Saturday, Sunday 12pm. Come by and raise a glass with us. Sláinte!
www.thechieftain.com
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Right-handed pitcher Mason Miller has been named to the All-MLB Second Team! Our relief pitcher is one of three rookies selected to All-MLB teams this season, and one of just nine rookies to have won since the inception of the honor.
Miller collected 28 saves this season, setting our rookie record. He compiled a 2.49 ERA in 55 relief appearances and struck out 104 batters in 65.0 innings in his first season in relief. Miller was named to his first American League All-Star Team and also earned The Sporting News AL Rookie of the Year honors.
Miller's 104 strikeouts ranked second among Major League relievers and were tied for sixth most by a reliever in Athletics history. His 14.40 strikeouts per nine innings were the highest mark in the majors and in A's history among all pitchers with 40 or more innings pitched. Nearly half of his 1,024 pitches were 100 miles per hour or more (510), and he led Major League rookies and tied for ninth among all pitchers in saves.
The All-MLB First and Second Team selections were determined by a combination of fan voting and voting from a decorated panel of media members, broadcasters, former players and other officials throughout the game. Each player named to the All-MLB First or Second Team will receive a trophy to commemorate his selection.
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Professional soccer and family fun are coming to The Coliseum in 2025, and we’re giving you the chance to lock in your seat early! Don’t miss your opportunity to pick your perfect spot before tickets go on general sale.
Here’s How It Works:
1. Place a Deposit Today
To secure your spot in line, make a deposit now for as little $5.10.
2. Select Your Seat
Depositors will gain priority access to our ‘Select Your Seat’ event, where you’ll be able to pick the perfect seat for the 2025 season.
3. Visit the Coliseum on December 8th
Join us at the Coliseum to check out your seat and experience the energy of your new home.
Can’t Make the Event?
No worries! If you place a deposit starting today through December 8, we’ll contact you directly with details about selecting your seat remotely, ensuring you still have priority access.
www.oaklandrootssc.com
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John McEnroe -- from the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee | |
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I once watched a charity exhibition tennis match with John McEnroe at Stanford University which he attended. I brought along this photo in hopes of getting him to sign it. After the warm ups he approached the stands and began signing and chatting with the fans. I held out the photo and he signed it for me.
Rich Yee, Sports Today Photographer
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Haiku: A traditional Japanese haiku is a three-line poem with seventeen syllables, written in a 5/7/5 syllable count. Sports Today! has expanded Haikus to embrace our readership and invites you to submit your own. Top entries will be published!
This Entry is a Tribute to Two Classics: One Music, One Sports
Music: "A Whiter Shade of Pale" by Procol Harum, a Song which captured the spirit of San Francisco and Sports: The Golden State Warriors. A Team which continues that spirit on the
Basketball Court.
PSYCHEDELIC WARRIORS
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Steph, Dray, Trayce and Wiggs
Turned cartwheels across the floor
Victory is Sweet!
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DaLe Gas Also Has A Downside
by Howard Pearlstein
But first – I was looking forward to watching the Dubs-Clippers game. I have Warriors games set to auto-DVR because my schedule varies so much. (Some call it peripatetic, sort of insulting. I’m glad most people have to look it up to know that.)
Anyway, the other things completed, I went to the game listed in the SAVED function of Windows. But what I got is some “Due to Blah Blah and also some Legalistic BS this game cannot be recorded or watched without …” something or other. My anti-greed rants are so frequent, I just let this latest version of “Greed Kills” go.
Later, I checked “Warriors Postgame” also on Auto record. My annoyance was a bit soothed by the fact I had been spared from wasting three hours of my life watching a pitiful game full of turnovers, missed shots and sloppy play, one of those games in which neither side deserves to win. And yet, as the fourth quarter ended, the Dubs raised hopes as if about to get a W, even a shameful one. Maybe? Nope, not even that. They were ahead until the last moments when they lost. Just a bad game? Or a fluke? We can hope.
Which they proved in their next game, against the Hawks. That one was some kind of enjoyable for the Dubs fans, with the deep roster fully able to handle things with style and success. Were the Hawks that bad? Maybe. Doesn’t matter.
The next-up Pelicans were walking wounded but still played it tough to the end. And the Dubs held their lead and won, 12-man rotation working beautifully.
The criteria for deciding whether or not a team is a good one is same as always: Win the ones they say you’re supposed to win. And then win the ones they say you might not win. And then win the ones they say you’re definitely supposed to lose.
With professional sports having become a subdivision of Online Gambling, Inc, those W-L predictions have mutated from Best Guess to something almost carved-in-stone mandatory.
Which can set up the bizarre situation of being unhappy that your home team won by beating the point spread, scoring more than some guy in a silk suit predicted they should. (Yeah, I know that’s an old cliché, but sometimes they’re cliches because they’re true.)
Those of us who think we know something, like how an alliance with the likes of Gambling, Inc is destined to turn out bad, won’t offer much comfort in coming years remembering, “We were right,” as it destroys the games we love.
And then there are the 49ers. Last week’s game in Tampa Bay was an example of Da-le Gas sometimes being the most wrong thing possible if the engine’s not running smoothly, not purring like a big cat. Don’t do it. They did it.
It reminded me that I did it in an old Plymouth when I was 16, driving through New Jersey from the shore late one night and being a teenage smartass, I decided to floor it. You know: peal out, leave some rubber on the road. Da-le gas!.
What I left on the road was the transmission.
There I was, stuck in the wilds of New Jersey, ruefully remembering what the late great Lord Buckley said: “If you get to it and can NOT do it, there you jolly well are, aren’t you?”
I got it fixed.
I’m hoping the 9ers, stuck out there in the middle of the season, can do the same. They’re too good to be so bad.
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Howard Pearlstein has been a few places and done a few things.
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Newsletter, Image, Likeness Vol. 107: How Is The House V. NCAA Settlement Good For Athletes On A Going
Forward Basis?
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by Darren Heitner, Esq.
Founder of Heitnerlegal -- Sports, Entertainment, Trademarks, Copyrights, Business, Litigation, Arbitration
The Weekly Longer NIL Thought
Timing is everything.
By this time next year, most states could pass bills or have executive orders signed that allow college athletes within their borders to be paid directly by colleges for their names, images, and likeness rights.
This week, Ohio became the latest state to do this, joining Georgia, Illinois, Virginia, and California. While schools in those states have yet to pay players directly without using a third-party intermediary, nothing but unenforceable NCAA rules stand in their way.
If the parties didn't broker the House v. NCAA settlement agreement until a year from now, would the future portion still get the same unsubstantiated praise from journalists that it has thus far?
Think about it.
In Vol. 91 I wrote about the good, bad, and ugly of the House v. NCAA settlement. The bad includes that, while it will allow schools to pay players directly (which states are working on doing anyway through statute or executive order), the pay will be artificially capped and there will be no floor to the spending. Additionally, while these new state laws and executive orders are silent as to restricting payments from boosters/collectives to players, the House settlement introduces the capacity for the NCAA and conferences to reject deals based on the subjective determination that the payment is not for a valid business purpose or is not fair market value for the athlete. That's not bad, but ugly.
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Friends of Laguna Seca and A&D Narigi Consulting, LLC announce termination of Management Agreement | |
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Photo by Lisa Watt from the ribbon cutting and passing of the keys ceremony at the 2024 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion
MONTEREY, Calif., Nov. 22, 2024—Friends of Laguna Seca and A&D Narigi Consulting, LLC today jointly announced that the Management Agreement between the parties will terminate on December 31, 2024.
“Since 2020, A&D Narigi, LLC has done a great service to Monterey County and Laguna Seca Recreation Area, including WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, in returning the operations of the facility to profitability and in the many improvements made to the park during the past few years, including the new racing surface and Mission Foods Bridge,” stated Ross Merrill, president of the Friends of Laguna Seca. “Friends will take over management of Laguna Seca while retaining all existing employees. We are looking forward to a bright future for Laguna Seca under our new operating structure.”
“I have put a lot of time and effort into Laguna Seca Recreation Area and WeatherTech Raceway, and I am extremely proud of my teams’ efforts, which have yielded impressive results, as well as my personal and professional commitment to its future these past five years”, stated John Narigi, president of A&D Narigi Consulting, LLC.
A&D Narigi, LLC decided that the termination of the Management Agreement is the best step forward for Laguna Seca and for Friends to execute its long-term vision for the facility.
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www.weathertechraceway.com
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© Chris Ray
APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR 2025 CALIFORNIA
DREAMIN' SERIES
Four stops planned at prominent West Coast yacht clubs and a path to qualify for the 2026 Ficker Cup and Congressional Cup.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 21, 2024
Contact: communications@stfyc.com
SAN FRANCISCO, CA—Applications are now open for match racing skippers wishing to compete in the 2025 California Dreamin’ Series. This long-standing series features events at four prominent yacht clubs on the West Coast:
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San Diego Yacht Club in J/22s on January 25-26, 2025.
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Balboa Yacht Club in Gov Cup 22s on February 15-16, 2025.
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St. Francis Yacht Club in J/22s on March 8-9, 2025.
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Long Beach Yacht Club in Catalina 37s on April 5-6, 2025.
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The Organizing Authority’s Invitation Committee will review requests received by December 1, 2024, and issue invitations until each event is full. Skippers may request invitations to individual stops by submitting the Request for Information. | |
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Priority will be given to skippers opting for three of the four events, but there are often spots available to those who can only make one or two. While a skipper may win California Dreamin’ Series by competing in only three events, the top skipper who also competes at Long Beach will earn a coveted invitation to the 2026 Ficker Cup, which lends their team a chance to qualify for the 2026 Grade 1 Congressional Cup.
www.stfyc.com
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Wyatt Mundelius posted a goal and an assist in Cal's
win over Augustana.
No. 7 Cal Upends Augustana 23-8
In MPSF Opener
LOS ANGELES – The seventh-ranked California men's water polo team took a 7-1 first-period lead over Augustana in its MPSF Championships opener Friday and never looked back, defeating its MPSF East opponent 23-8 at UCLA's Spieker Aquatics Center.
The defending NCAA champion Golden Bears – who improved their record to 12-11 – next face the top-ranked Bruins on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. PT. Augustana is now 13-6.
Max Casabella notched four goals and one assist for the Bears, while Jake Howerton scored three goals and two assists, George Avakian had three goals and one assist, and William Kelley posted a hat trick.
Six different Bears combined to score in the first period, with Avakian getting two goals to power Cal to its 7-1 lead. The senior scored Cal's first goal just 21 seconds into the game and netted his second with 44 seconds left in the period. Cal – which never trailed in the game – would maintain at least a six-goal lead the rest of the way.
Augustana battled back with three goals in the second period, but goals from Avakian, Nik Mirkovic, Howerton and Patrick Kolak gave the Bears an 11-4 halftime lead.
Cal flirted with a double-digit lead most of the third period. The Bears got that lead with one second left in the period, when Casabella scored on a penalty to give the Bears a 17-7 advantage.
The Bears scored three straight times to open the fourth and make the score 20-7. After Augustana recorded its last goal, Cal went on another three-goal spree – capped by Kelly's third score – to give the Bears their 23-8 victory.
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Photo: Catharyn Hayne / KLC fotos
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Card Drops Semifinal in Overtime
LOS ANGELES – The No. 2 Cardinal fell to No. 3 USC in overtime this afternoon, dropping the battle 18-16. Soren Jensen led the way for the Cardinal, scoring four times and adding five assists.
Stanford and USC were level in the first half, heading into the break even at 6-6 with each quarter even at 3-3 as well.
The Trojans took a slight advantage in the third, leading 10-9 heading into the final quarter of play.
A 4-3 Cardinal advantage in the fourth sent the game to overtime, thanks to Ryan Ohl’s heave from the Stanford end of the pool to tie the game with under two minutes left.
Five goals from the Trojans in overtime made for an 18-16 final score.
Alex Gheorghe finished with four goals, as nine members of the Cardinal found the back of the net.
The loss sends Stanford to the MPSF Third-Place Game tomorrow at 11:15 a.m. PT against the loser of this afternoon’s other semifinal between No. 1 UCLA and No. 7 California.
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Spartans Get Convincing Win
Over CSUN
SAN JOSE, Calif. - Hennie Van Schaik put up a double-double performance with 15 points and 12 rebounds, while Djessira Diawara brought down 14 rebounds to lead the San José State women’s basketball (4-2, 0-0 MW) in a 62-44 win against CSUN (2-3, 0-0 Big West) on Sunday afternoon from Provident Credit Union Event Center.
- Van Schaik finished with 15 points, 12 rebounds, and four assists on 5-of-14 shooting from the field while going 2-for-5 from behind the arc.
- This season, Van Schaik is the first Spartan to put together a double-double performance.
- Van Schaik set single-game season highs in points, minutes, field goals made, rebounds, and assists.
- Van Schaik’s four assists set a new career high for the senior transfer.
- Van Schaik has now scored in double figures for the second consecutive game.
- Diawara scored 3 points to go with her 14 rebounds.
- Diawara’s 14 rebounds set a new single-game career high.
- Diawara now leads the team in total rebounds with 41 and rebounds per game with 6.8
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Sydni Summers scored 9 points with one assist and three rebounds while going 3-for-10 from behind the arc.
- Summers leads the team with 16 three-pointers made this season.
- Summers currently leads the Mountain West in three-point field goal percentage at .433
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Rylei Waugh finished with nine points, three rebounds, and two assists while going 3-for-9 from field goal range and 1-for-3 from behind the arc.
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Sofia Kelemeni scored nine points to go with five rebounds and went 3-for-7 from field goal range.
- Kelemeni set single-game season highs in points, rebounds, field goals made, and minutes.
- The Spartans brought down 56 rebounds in this game a season high for the team.
- Scoring off the bench continues to be a strength for the Spartans, as they got 33 points from the bench in this game.
- This is the third consecutive game in which SJSU has scored more than 30 points off the bench.
- This is the first time the Spartans have started the season 4-2 since 2019.
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Saint Mary's College Gaels | |
MSOC | Saint Mary’s Earns 7 Total WCC All-Academic Selections
MORAGA, Calif. - On Friday, November 22nd, the 2024 WCC All-Academic teams were announced with seven total Gaels earning the academic distinction. Seniors Jack Vestberg and Jude Zamora earned two of the eleven spots on the All-Academic team while Bastian Toelhoej, Fynn Allmon, Luke Lawrence, Ian Smith and Justin Sosa all earned Honorable Mention status.
The criteria to be eligible for consideration for the All-Academic team is listed below (from the WCC Handbook):
Student-athletes in each sport shall be nominated by their respective sports information directors through the PrestoSports online platform and must meet all the following standards:
(a) A minimum 3.20 cumulative grade point average (GPA) based on the most recently completed term at the time of the nomination. So for men's soccer, it would be the spring term. Prior to the nomination, the appropriate institutional academic authorities shall review the grades of the prospective nominees.
(b) Be a starter or important reserve with legitimate athletic credentials.
(c) Have at least sophomore athletic and academic standing with at least one year in residence completed at the nominating institution. (True freshmen, redshirt freshmen and ineligible athletic transfers may not be nominated).
(d) Participate in at least 50 percent of the institution's completed contests.
(e) The nominating sports information director is responsible for contacting the Conference office to confirm receipt of the nominations.
The maximum number of individuals selected to the specific sport's All-Academic team shall be similar to the number of student-athletes selected to the specific sport's all-conference team. So for men's soccer, the number is 11.
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Four Dons Earn WCC First Team
All-Academic Honors
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – The West Coast Conference officially announced its Men's Soccer All-Academic team for the 2024 season on Friday afternoon.
For San Francisco, Mason Dougherty, Kian Jones, Reid Roberts, and Olivier Sylvain received First Team honors, the conference's highest academic award. Zane Alafranji, TJ Knight, Gabriel Bracken Serra, Rylan Smith, and Alex Solomis were also honored, obtaining Honorable Mention selections.
The following criteria was used to select the 2024 honorees:
- A minimum 3.20 cumulative grade point average (GPA) based on the most recently completed term at the time of the nomination.
- Be a starter or important reserve with legitimate athletic credentials.
- Have at least sophomore athletic and academic standing with at least one year in residence completed at the nominating institution. (True freshmen, redshirt freshmen and ineligible athletic transfers may not be nominated).
- Participate in at least 50 percent of the institution's completed contests.
The maximum number of individuals selected to the specific sport's All-Academic team is similar to the number of student-athletes selected to the specific sport's all-conference team.
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Photo: Christina Leung
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Eight Men’s Soccer Student-Athletes Garner WCC All-Academic Honors
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – A program record eight Santa Clara men's soccer student-athletes were named West Coast Conference All-Academic by the league on Friday. All eight Broncos - Yoni Aidlberg, Jack Civitts, Pierce Dyal, Itamar Efrat, Naji Elder, Brennan Mallett, Jack Stoecker and Will Wiersdorf -- were named honorable mentions.
The eight honorees eclipsed the previous high of seven that were recognized four times – in 2014, 2019, 2020 and 2022.
At the conclusion of each athletic season, the WCC selects an all-academic squad for each WCC-sponsored sport. To be considered, a student-athlete must maintain at least a 3.20 cumulative grade point average, while participating in at least 50 percent of the completed contests and have at least sophomore athletic and academic standing with at least one year in residence completed at the nominating institution.
Aidlberg has a 3.611 GPA while majoring in finance. The senior midfielder was one of two Broncos to start in all 16 matches this season. He logged 980 minutes of action and was credited with an assist on the game winning goal by Tyler Tipton against Boston University on the road.
Civitts, a sophomore, has a 3.775 GPA. He appeared in all 16 matches and started in 10 with a goal and two assists to his credit. Against San Jose State, the forward scored the game-tying goal and assisted on the game winner by Efrat. Civitts' other assist came against Pacific on the game-winning goal by Tipton in the 2-1 victory.
Dyal repeats as an WCC All-Academic Honorable Mention, posting a 3.688 GPA. The economics major started in 12 of the 14 matches he appeared in. The junior midfielder collected an assist on the game-winning goal by Florian Deletioglu in the season opener against UC San Diego.
Efrat has a 3.387 GPA majoring in bioengineering while starting in 13 of the 15 matches he appeared in. The sophomore defender played the full 90 minutes in five of the eight WCC contests including the last four. He scored the game-winning goal with two seconds left in the match against San Jose State.
Elder with a 3.637 GPA in public health science was named Second Team All-WCC earlier in the week. The junior defender started all eight games that he appeared in including seven WCC contests during which the Broncos conceded just five goals. He returned to action against the Portland after missing the previous eight matches to stabilize the Santa Clara back line in the scoreless draw to earn league Defensive Player of Week honors. In his seven other games, he played the full 90 minutes and logged 709 minutes of action on the season.
Mallett is majoring in communication and has a 3.769 GPA. The senior midfielder played the second most minutes on the team with 1,266 over 16 games and 15 starts. He played the full 90 minutes, 11 times.
Stoecker, a graduate student, has a 3.235 GPA in Management Information Systems. The 6-foot-7 goalkeeper started in all 11 matches he appeared in and posted a 3-5-3 record with three shutouts. He had a .739 save percentage with a 1.09 goals against average.
An All-WCC Second Teamer, Wiersdorf has a 3.744 GPA. He finished tied for second on the team with three goals and tied for the team lead with two assists playing in 11 games, starting in all. The sophomore midfielder scored the game-winning goal against Gonzaga in the 1-0 win and assisted on the game winner in the season opening 1-0 victory over UC San Diego.
With the exception of Dyal, this is the first all-academic recognition for everyone.
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University of Pacific Tigers | |
Erfani, Sullivan Tabbed WCC
All-Academic Selections
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – The West Coast Conference announced the 2024 Men's Soccer All-Academic Team on Friday.
Sophomore Massimo Erfani and graduate student Kai Sullivan were selected as WCC All-Academic Honorable Mention honorees.
Erfani, a native of San Diego, California, earned the recognition for the first time in his career. Erfani started eight times and appeared in 16 matches during his sophomore season, registering six shot attempts in 561 minutes. Erfani is a business administration major with a concentration in marketing.
Sullivan, a native of Yokosuka, Japan, was tied for the team lead in goals with two, scoring in back-to-back games to close out the season. Sullivan scored the game-winning goal in a 2-0 victory at Gonzaga and followed that performance by capping off Senior Night with the Tigers' third goal of the evening in a 3-1 win over Saint Mary's.
Sullivan also notched two assists, giving him six points on the season, which ranked second on the Tigers. Sullivan logged 319 minutes on the pitch with three starts and eight appearances during his 2024 campaign.
Erfani is expected to graduate with a degree in business administration and focus in marketing.
At the conclusion of each athletic season, the WCC selects an all-academic squad for each WCC-sponsored sport. To be considered, a student-athlete must maintain at least a 3.20 cumulative GPA, while also being a significant contributor to her team and in at least their second year at their school.
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No. 5 UC Davis Outlasts Sacramento State, 42-39; Retains Causeway Cup For Second Straight Season
Score: No. 5 UC Davis 42, Sacramento State 39
Location: Sacramento, Calif. (Hornet Stadium)
Records: UC Davis 10-2 (7-1), Sacramento State 3-9 (1-7)
The Short Story: Massive offensive games from seniors Miles Hastings and Lan Larison gave No. 5 UC Davis football the final cherry on top of a historic season, finishing off Sacramento State 42-39 to lock up its 10th win of the season and a second-straight Causeway Classic victory.
FIRST DOWN:
- Larison ran for 148 yards on 23 carries, scoring three touchdowns and he finished with 69 receiving yards on four catches to finish with 273 all-purpose yards, adding 56 kickoff return yards
- Hastings threw for 398 yards on 27-of-36 passing to finish with three passing touchdowns on the game
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Junior Samuel Gbatu, Jr. again had a night, finishing with a career-high 143 yards receiving on five catches, scoring one touchdown
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Rex Connors and Porter Connors led the way on defense, with Rex racking up 12 tackles and Porter finishing with 11 tackles
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Snagging his fourth interception of the season, redshirt junior David Meyer added nine tackles, finishing with three solo tackles
- As a team, the Aggies finished with 540 total offensive yards, averaging 7.8 yards per play over 69 plays
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Cal State University East Bay Pioneers | |
Pioneer Women's Basketball Drops Saturday Home Game to FPU
HAYWARD, Calif. — The Cal State East Bay women's basketball team fell to Fresno Pacific 61-48 in a non-conference matchup Saturday afternoon at Pioneer Gymnasium.
The Pioneers struggled to find their offensive rhythm throughout the game, as Fresno Pacific took control early and maintained their lead throughout the contest.
The Sunbirds jumped out to an early lead, ending the first quarter with a 15-9 advantage. Cal State East Bay's offense continued to struggle in the second quarter, managing only nine points as Fresno Pacific extended their lead to 28-18 at halftime.
The third quarter saw the Pioneers attempt to close the gap, with Akaka finding her shooting touch. However, Fresno Pacific's balanced attack, kept the Sunbirds comfortably ahead.
Despite outscoring Fresno Pacific 18-17 in the final quarter, the Pioneers couldn't overcome the deficit.
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Aloha Akaka led the Pioneers with 17 points, going 7-for-14 from the floor and adding two blocks and a steal.
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With three steals for East Bay was Taylor Eldredge.
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Gwendilyn Aasland contributed a strong presence on the boards, pulling down a team-high 13 rebounds.
- The Pioneers struggled to make baskets as evidenced by shooting just 26.5 percent from the field compared to the Sunbirds' 33.8 percent.
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Photo by: Kendall Spencer / KLC Fotos
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Watch any program on CCE's YouTube channel, or, for attorneys, earn MCLE credits online, economically, with "The Best in Topics and Talent."
Center for Continuing Education, Monterey, CA is a State Bar of California MCLE approved Provider, #8450
https://www.cce-mcle.com/
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Weekly Bay Area
Sports Calendar
Monday, November 25, through
Sunday, December 2, 2024
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Monday, November 25
Golden State Warriors vs. Brooklyn Nets, 7 p.m.
Sacramento Kings vs. Oklahoma City Thunder, 7 p.m.
San Jose Sharks vs. Los Angeles Kings, 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, November 26
Wednesday, November 27
Golden State Warriors vs. Oklahoma City Thunder, 7 p.m.
Sacramento Kings @ Minnesota Timberwolves, 5 p.m.
San Jose Sharks vs. Ottawa Senators, 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, November 28
Friday, November 29
Las Vegas Raiders @ Kansas City Chiefs, 12 p.m.
Sacramento Kings @ Portland Trail Blazers, 7 p.m.
San Jose Sharks vs. Seattle Kraken, 12:30 p.m.
San Jose State Spartans vs. Stanford Cardinal, 1 p.m.
Saturday, November 30
Golden State Warriors @ Phoenix Suns, 6 p.m.
San Jose Sharks @ Seattle Kraken, 7 p.m.
Cal Bears @ SMU Mustangs, 12:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 1
San Francisco 49ers @ Buffalo Bills, 5:20 p.m.
Sacramento Kings vs. San Antonio Spurs, 6 p.m.
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Publisher: Christopher Weills
Marketing Director: Robert Moselle
Director of Sales: Ann Cooke; Representative: Ayiko Konopaski
Contributors: Steve Chain, Harvey Cohen, Andy Dolich, Pete Elman, Rob Flammia, Bruce Macgowan, Robert Moselle, Dave Newhouse, Howard Pearlstein, Amaury Pi-Gonzalez, T. Buff, Shelia Young
Staff Photographers: Jeff Bayer, Alex Ho, Ed Jay, James Molgaard,
Ron Sellers, Darren Yamashita, Rich Yee, Kenny Karst (retired).
Social Media & Production: Jenny Kim, Ammar Bhaiji
Website: www.UltimateSportsGuide.net
Contact us at: theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com
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FIELD OF PLAY
For the past 60 years, Michael Zagaris has taken his camera behind the scenes of the NFL, capturing the moments that define America’s game.
To order: https://www.zagarisbook.com/
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LOL, Loss of Logo: What’s Your Next Move? was written for sports professionals by Andy Dolich and Jack Hirschman and offers valuable takeaways for everyone chasing the fancy logo and corner office. | |
The Emerald Mile: The epic and award-winning story of the fastest ride in history through the heart of the Grand Canyon, by Kevin Fedarko. A thrilling true tale during the legendary flood of 1983. | |
More than a cookbook, this culinary delight was written to preserve a great chef's traditional family recipes and stories of her childhood for her far-flung grandchildren. Author Leonie Samuel-Hool recounts stories of a vanished society and legends of the gods and goddesses that protect and sometimes make mischief in Indonesian homes, fields and foods. The recipes are explicitly presented. | |
The absolute greatest Yankees were the 1949-1953 pinstripers, winners of an unprecedented five consecutive World Series. "The Yankee Way," Hall of Fame manager Tony La Russa writes in the book's foreword, is "full of Yankee winning keys, star-studded competition, and insights about one of baseball's historically fascinating periods." By Charlie Silvera with Dave Newhouse (Author). | |
To Order: $15 hardcover, $10 paperback, plus $4.95 shipping. Send check/M.O. to Christopher Weills, P.O. Box 4515, Berkeley, CA 94704 | | |
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The Ultimate Sports Guide is very appreciative to the ongoing contributions made by former staff photographer Kenny Karst and Robert Moselle. Mr. Karst, now retired, continues to contribute helpful ideas and his archives.
Mr. Moselle, Esq., is now lending his extensive editorial experience and marketing savvy to the publication.
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