Cal women's basketball tips off their season tonight @ Austin Peay. Game starts at 5:00 PM PST. To my knowledge, this game is not being televised. So, during the game, I will thread key stats, notes, and of course, the final score. Post game interviews, if any can be found, will also be posted on here. As a preview, I will list five key things to know going into the game.
#1. Austin Peay senior guard Tiasha Gray can light it up: In her junior season last year, Tiasha Gray averaged 21.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game. She shot 37.2 % from three-point range and 76.6% from the foul line. So, if Cal wants to win this game tonight, they have to stop Tiasha Gray. Given Tiasha's small size (5'7"), I expect Cal's length to give her trouble. Gabby Green (6'2") and Courtney Range (6'3") certainly have the length to bother her on the perimeter.
#2. Cal should destroy Austin Peay inside: Cal is a much bigger team than Austin Peay (no surprise). Look for freshmen Kristine Anigwe (6'4") and Chen Yue (6'7") to really control the glass. I expect both of them, especially Anigwe to get lots of touches inside.
#3. If Cal gets ahead early, look for Coach Gottlieb to use her bench: With Breanna Cavanaugh out for the season and Mercedes Jefflo dismissed from the team, Cal only has 9 available players. In games where Cal gets a huge lead, expect Coach Lindsay Gottlieb to utilize all 9 of her players and give her starters as much rest as possible. They need to stay fresh for Pac-12 play.
#4. Who will run the point when Asha Thomas needs a breather? Something that will be interesting to pay attention to tonight is who runs the point while Asha Thomas is on the bench. Asha, a freshman, is the only true point guard on this Cal team with Breanna Cavanaugh injured. Look for Gabby Green to be the primary ball handler when Thomas is resting, but it'll be interesting to see if MaAne Mosley, another freshman guard, gets a shot to run the point.
#5. Austin Peay isn't very good: Austin Peay went 10-20 last season and they compete in the Ohio Valley Conference. Even with Tiasha Gray lighting it up, this team still struggled to win games. Cal should cruise to a victory in this game due to their length, size, talent, and depth. Even with 9 players suited up, Cal still has way more depth and talent.
Prediction: Cal wins by 25 points (75-50).
#1. Austin Peay senior guard Tiasha Gray can light it up: In her junior season last year, Tiasha Gray averaged 21.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game. She shot 37.2 % from three-point range and 76.6% from the foul line. So, if Cal wants to win this game tonight, they have to stop Tiasha Gray. Given Tiasha's small size (5'7"), I expect Cal's length to give her trouble. Gabby Green (6'2") and Courtney Range (6'3") certainly have the length to bother her on the perimeter.
#2. Cal should destroy Austin Peay inside: Cal is a much bigger team than Austin Peay (no surprise). Look for freshmen Kristine Anigwe (6'4") and Chen Yue (6'7") to really control the glass. I expect both of them, especially Anigwe to get lots of touches inside.
#3. If Cal gets ahead early, look for Coach Gottlieb to use her bench: With Breanna Cavanaugh out for the season and Mercedes Jefflo dismissed from the team, Cal only has 9 available players. In games where Cal gets a huge lead, expect Coach Lindsay Gottlieb to utilize all 9 of her players and give her starters as much rest as possible. They need to stay fresh for Pac-12 play.
#4. Who will run the point when Asha Thomas needs a breather? Something that will be interesting to pay attention to tonight is who runs the point while Asha Thomas is on the bench. Asha, a freshman, is the only true point guard on this Cal team with Breanna Cavanaugh injured. Look for Gabby Green to be the primary ball handler when Thomas is resting, but it'll be interesting to see if MaAne Mosley, another freshman guard, gets a shot to run the point.
#5. Austin Peay isn't very good: Austin Peay went 10-20 last season and they compete in the Ohio Valley Conference. Even with Tiasha Gray lighting it up, this team still struggled to win games. Cal should cruise to a victory in this game due to their length, size, talent, and depth. Even with 9 players suited up, Cal still has way more depth and talent.
Prediction: Cal wins by 25 points (75-50).
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