California shocks No. 19 Alabama, handing them their first loss

In the United States, a thrilling basketball matchup took place on a Thursday night as the California Golden Bears faced off against the No. 19 Alabama Crimson Tide during the ACC/SEC Challenge. California emerged victorious with a narrow 69-65 win, handing Alabama its first loss of the season. Kayla Williams led the Bears with 21 points, while Ionna Krimili contributed 19 points, including crucial free throws in the final moments of the game. Mara Suarez also made significant contributions, scoring 16 points. This game marked a notable achievement for California, which hasn't been to the NCAA Tournament since 2019. They secured their fourth victory against a team slated for the 2024 NCAA Tournament, showcasing their potential as a competitive squad. The match was characterized by a tightly contested scoreline, with neither team leading by a substantial margin throughout. California initially held a slight advantage, leading 14-13 at the end of the first quarter. However, Alabama rallied late in the second quarter, executing a 15-2 run that allowed them to take control. Alabama's Essence Cody and Zaay Green led their team, contributing 13 and 28 points, respectively. Despite falling behind at halftime, California's resilience shone in the second half as they fought to regain their lead. As the third quarter unfolded, Alabama maintained a 41-36 lead but failed to sustain it as California scored 11 consecutive points, with Krimili hitting a three-pointer to tie the game. This offensive surge culminated with Williams scoring the final seven points of the quarter, giving the Golden Bears a 54-50 lead heading into the fourth quarter. With the stakes high, California showcased their defensive capabilities combined with strategic offense to maintain their lead. The final moments were tense, with Krimili managing to seal the game for California despite some missed free throws. The historical context of this matchup adds further intrigue; the last time these two teams faced off was in 2000, where Alabama achieved victory. This recent win against a ranked opponent is significant for California, signaling a potential comeback as they seek to enhance their visibility and performance in women's collegiate basketball. The game concluded with several outstanding performances and momentum for California as they look ahead to their next game against Pacific, while Alabama will be regrouping before their home game against Murray State on December 15.