Dec. 9, 2006

Final Stats

(Berkeley, CA) - The USD Toreros (6-4) won their fourth straight game with an outstanding 72-67 road win over the Cal Bears in the championship game of the Golden Bear Classic. Sophomore guard Brandon Johnson (23 points) was named the tournament MVP, and Gyno Pomare (21 points) joined him on the All-Tournament Team as the Toreros earned a big win over a Pac-10 team on the road. With the win USD improves to 6-4 while the host Bears fall to 7-3. One of the keys to the outcome was USD taking care of the ball as they turned it over a season-low 5 times. The Toreros overcame a Cal 6-point advantage with about 15 minutes to go in the game.

"I'm so proud of our team," said an elated Brad Holland. "From two weeks ago at San Antonio when we were struggling, to a solid showing against San Diego State at Cox, this team has just kept improving on a daily basis. Tonight we beat a Pac-10 team on the road, our fourth win in a row, and this team is just playing with a lot of confidence. To me as a head coach, this ranks in the top five wins for me at USD."

USD played a solid first half, but struggled to connect on some open looks. Despite just shooting 40% to Cal's 55.6%, the Toreros were down just three at intermission, 37-34. The Bears extended their lead to 6 points at 47-41, but Johnson answered with two quick buckets and the game stayed close the rest of the way. The Toreros took their first lead of the 2nd half with 10:12 to go on a Danny Brown three-pointer for a 55-53 lead. USD would hold the lead the rest of the way and found themselves up 68-61 with 2:10 go. Cal cut it to one at 68-67 on a three by Ryan Anderson with :47 seconds left, but Johnson nailed a jumper with :21 seconds for a 70-67 advantage. Following a missed trey by Cal, Gyno Pomare was fouled and cashed in on both free throws with :05 seconds to ice the big win.

Cal (7-3) was paced by Ayinde Ubaka with 15 points, and forward Ryan Anderson with 10 points and 11 rebounds.