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Cal can't stop Oregon State in 92-85 loss
By Morris Phillips January 5, 2012 |
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The California Bears found out how tough life can be on the road in the Pac-12 just like the rest of the league’s contenders: they found out the hard way. Cal went to Corvallis, and got outgunned by the Beavers, 92-85. But their story wasn’t unique as Arizona, Washington and Stanford also traveled and lost. Just three games into league play, everyone except Colorado has lost at least once and no conference favorite is immune. “Apparently winning on the road is going to be a lot harder in this league,” Coach Mike Montgomery said after watching his Bears shoot 63 percent in the second half but trail the entire time. Cal didn’t figure to blink defensively--especially against the perimeter-oriented Beavers—but that’s exactly what they did, failing to keep OSU’s Jared Cunningham from getting into the paint off the dribble for scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. Cunningham finished with 24 points and five assists and Ahmad Starks also contributed 24 points, including five 3-pointers. “I just kept trying to push it down and attack the rim,” Cunningham said of his mindset in the second half. Oregon State’s penetration and kick game was lethal as they scored 54 points in the final 20 minutes, almost all of it off their junior guard’s stellar, aggressive play. For Cal (12-4, 2-1) even as they knew what was coming—with the ball constantly in Cunningham’s hands—they were powerless to stop it. When the 6’5” guard penetrated, he either drew a foul or kicked out to shooters, Angus Brandt and Starks, who both had big scoring nights as well. OSU scored 90 points for a school-record seventh time this season, and it’s the first time they’ve scored that many points in a conference game since January 2004. “At some point you have to defend somebody,” Montgomery conceded. Cunningham managed to have his way despite carrying three fouls for most of the second half and needing to go through Cal’s Jorge Gutierrez to get to the hoop. But he did just that as OSU showed off their improved depth and talent that has Craig Robinson’s team drawing some notice. The Bears did manage to put together a late run that sliced Oregon State’s 16-point lead to 77-73 with 5:10 remaining, but that was as close Cal got. The Beavers closed it out, in part due to making six of eight free throws down the stretch. Cal was led by Gutierrez with 26 points and four rebounds, while Justin Cobbs added 18 and Allen Crabbe, 16. OSU and Cal were tied at the half, but Cunningham and the Beavers took control almost immediately once play resumed after halftime. The Bears have an extra day to work out the kinks and prepare for Oregon, who they will see on Sunday at 5 p.m. |
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