Air Force, Cal ride optimism into opener of Cal Classic

Field Level Media|published: Thu 21st November, 06:02 2024

California forward Joshua Ola-Joseph (1) grabs a rebound over Vanderbilt forward Devin McGlockton, left, during an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn.

Two teams that feel good about themselves after their best performances of the season go head-to-head Thursday night when Air Force visits California in a nonconference game at Berkeley, Calif.

The contest will tip off the Cal Classic, a week-long, four-team, round-robin affair that includes Sacramento State and Mercyhurst.

Air Force (1-3) will be playing away from home for the first time. The Falcons beat Jacksonville State 73-67 in their second outing, but they were much more pleased with a competitive effort on Friday in a 79-71 loss to Belmont, an eight-time NCAA Tournament participant in the past 19 years.

"We played a really good team. Major progress," Air Force coach Joe Scott said. "I don't want to sit in the locker room and say, 'We didn't play hard or we didn't ...' We looked like we're supposed to look. We played like we practiced. When that happens, you start to believe."

The Falcons have been led by the all-around play of Ethan Taylor, who is averaging 19.5 points, 8.0 rebounds and 4.5 assists. The senior has been on the court for 156 of a possible 160 minutes so far.

Cal (3-1) has featured a much more balanced attack, with three players averaging in double figures and eight contributing at least 4.5 points per game.

The Golden Bears received points and rebounds from eight players in a 71-66 victory at Southern California on Sunday, Cal's first nonconference road win in seven years.

Andrej Stojakovic had 20 points and Jovan Blacksher Jr. 19 in the win, but coach Mark Madsen was most impressed with the team chemistry demonstrated by an entire roster of transfers playing together for just the fourth time.

"When you have that, great things are possible," Madsen said. "There is so much more work to do. We're continuing to build this program into a national powerhouse."

The Falcons and Golden Bears haven't met since 2003, a game in which current Air Force assistant coach Matt McCraw contributed a pair of 3-pointers to the Falcons' 49-44 road win.

--Field Level Media