By David Jones for Urban Media Today
California dominated from the second quarter forward, turning what began as a competitive ACC Tournament opener into a 23-point statement victory over the Wake Forest Demon Deacons.
The Golden Bears led by just one after the first quarter, 11–10, before taking over. Cal outscored Wake Forest 21–11 in the second period to lead 32–21 at the half, and the third quarter was all the Bears as they erupted for 29 points to Wake Forest’s 12, pushing the advantage as high as 29. Cal cruised the rest of the way, winning 75–52 and punching their ticket to the second round.
Center Sakima Walker was the story of the night. The Cal big finished with 17 points on 8-of-13 shooting, hauled in 10 rebounds for a double-double, and added 2 assists and 2 steals. Fourteen of her points came in the paint — a problem Wake Forest had no answer for the entire game.
Lulu Twidale, one of the country’s most dangerous shooters from deep since January, contributed 11 points and 7 rebounds in an all around performance. Gisella Maul and Aliyahna Morris each added 10, with Maul also distributing 4 assists and pulling down 8 boards. The bench chipped in 21 points to Wake Forest’s 12, and Cal went a perfect 12-of-12 from the free throw line.
Wake Forest’s Mary Carter was the catalyst for the Demon Deacons, scoring a team-high 13 points on 5-of-8 shooting, including 3-of-4 from three. Grace Oliver added 10, but the rest of the roster struggled, and Emily Johns finished without a field goal while committing 5 turnovers.
Cal shot 45.2 percent from the field to Wake Forest’s 37.5, dominated the glass 41–28, and held a decisive 38–26 edge in points in the paint. The Bears also converted Wake Forest’s 12 turnovers into 10 points.
The victory keeps Cal rolling, coming on the heels of a dominant 44-point win over SMU. California advances to face Syracuse in the second round of the ACC Tournament.
