The Bears are coming off one of their most impressive games of the season, with a rather large victory over Washington on Thursday. Washington State was near the top of the conference, but they choked against Stanford and lost. These two teams play on Saturday, two teams in different shapes in terms of NCAA play.
Key Matchup: Patrick Christopher vs. Klay Thompson. Thompson is a prolific scorer, averaging 21 points a game. Christopher isn’t as prolific a scorer, but he still averages 16 points despite a more team oriented attack. If these two can play even all night, I look for the Bears to win this one rather easily.
Where can Cal dominate?: The Post. While Jerome Randle should outplay Reggie Moore, Moore is a solid player who should hold his own. The Cougars are small in the post, with DeAngelo Casto being their leading tall man. Jamal Boykin, coming off a 20 point performance, should be able to expose the Cougars.
Where can WSU dominate?: Shooting Guard. There’s a reason it’s the key matchup; if Klay Thompson can light up the Bears, this game should be close. Thompson is the type of player who can carry a team on his back, and Christopher, a fine player himself, is not that.
Who needs to step up for a Cal win? Jamal Boykin. Christopher does too, but Boykin needs to establish himself as a threat in the post in order for a Cal victory. If Jamal disappears, Washington State can keep it close with guard play. But if he and Max Zhang can step up in the post, Cal can win big.
Prediction: 77-70 Cal.
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