Life in the ACC is nicer on the Left Coast for the California schools it would appear.
Cal plays a fun brand of offensive ball. I came away impressed with them. Disappointed in the Pack, the 2nd quarter was the deciding one where Cal outscored State 25-13 and shot 55% compared to State's 30% that quarter. That was also the quarter State went to their bench, the only time they did.
Rivers played 40 minutes. James and Hayes 38 minutes. Zoe and Trygger 34. That's ALOT to ask for a starting 5. Wes has got to trust his bench more and the bench needs to also respond, there can't be that sort of fall off in production. Obviously with Zam still out nursing a hand injury and Weimar lost for the season, that puts you in a bind. But gotta find a way. I thought Quigley and Collier probably should have both got more minutes last night. State had Zoe and James both cramping up and limping around for the final 4ish minutes of the game.
Tilda Trygger did flash a glimpse of hope for State going forward this season as well as for the future. She had 19 points and 10 boards, knocked down 4 three pointers as a 6'6 center! She can certainly be a difference maker on the offensive side as she gets more comfortable with the physicality and speed of the game at this level. She doesn't solve the lack of a physical presence on the interior for State though. That's where Awou could be a factor, however she's a liability on offense, travels at least once a game in limited minutes and turns it over way too much. She's super raw. But State is in need of some muscle on the inside in a bad way. Defense wasn't good enough last night. Really need Zam back ASAP.
