The California women’s basketball team is entering a crucial phase of their season as they prepare to face No. 16 Duke on the road. Cal’s recent success, including a three-game ACC winning streak and victories over ranked opponents like NC State and Florida State, has propelled them to No. 18 in the AP Top 25 and USA Today Coaches Poll. This is the highest ranking for Cal since December 2018, reflecting their strong performance this season.
Key Matchup Details:
Opponent: No. 16 Duke (13-4, 4-1 ACC)
Location: Cameron Indoor Stadium
Time: Thursday, Jan. 16 at 5 p.m. PT
Broadcast: ACC Network
Historical Context:
This game marks the fifth meeting between Cal and Duke, with Duke holding a 3-1 series lead. Duke has won the last two matchups, adding an extra layer of challenge for Cal.
A win for Cal would be their first ranked road win since March 2020 and the highest-ranked win since defeating No. 13 Arizona in the same year. It would also tie the most ranked wins in a season since 2019-20.
Key Players and Team Performance:
Ioanna Krmili: Krmili is a standout player for Cal, leading the nation in career triples and close to reaching 400 career 3-pointers, a rare milestone in women’s college basketball. She is also among the top in career points among active players.
Lulu Twidale: Twidale complements Krmili, forming the top 3-point shooting duo in the nation. She leads all sophomores in made 3-pointers.
Marta Suárez: Suárez is in excellent form, averaging 16.3 points per game over her last four outings and showing impressive shooting percentages both from the field and deep.
Kayla Williams: Williams is a key facilitator for the team, contributing significantly to their offensive success with high shooting percentages and numerous assists.
Team Strengths:
Cal excels in 3-point shooting, ranking second in total 3-pointers made and seventh in 3-point makes per game in the NCAA.
The team is also strong defensively, holding opponents to a 36.9% field goal percentage.
Cal’s scoring depth is evident as they are 37th in the nation, averaging 77.5 points per game.
Implications:
A win against Duke would solidify Cal’s standing as a top contender in the ACC and on the national stage, enhancing their resume for the NCAA Tournament.
The performance of key players like Krmili, Twidale, and Suárez will be crucial in overcoming Duke’s home-court advantage.
This matchup is a pivotal opportunity for Cal to assert themselves as a dominant force in women’s college basketball, building on their impressive start to the season.
