Cal rallies past WSU, 86-70

COUGARS

Though they gave it their best effort, or near their best, it wasn’t to be for the Cougars on Saturday. The Cal Bears had too many weapons down the stretch, and one of those was Patrick Christopher’s defense. After being blitzed by Klay Thompson for 23 points in the first half, Christopher chased Thompson around the entire second half, limiting him to five points and made the key play of the game. With the Bears leading 73-70 in what had become a back-and-forth game, Christopher and Jamal Boykin harassed Thompson into a turnover, which Christopher turned into a dunk on the other end. When, on the ensuing possession, coach Ken Bone was still complaining, referee Michael Reed gave him a T. Four free throws later, with 2:43 left, it was over. We’ll be back in about two hours.