(Editor’s Note: During these unprecedented times, the sports staff at the MVI will republish stories from the Valley Independent archives.)
By BRIAN LAUBSCHER
Cal U vs. Alabama A&M
Division II Elite 8
The strengths of the California University basketball team all year long have been excellent defense and a balanced offensive attack.
Yesterday, in the first round of the NCAA Division II Elite Eight, Cal stuck with their usual game plan and the result was a 95-85 victory over Alabama A&M.
Five different Vulcans scored in double figures, led by Robert Jones, who scored a game-high 24 (points) while collecting 12 rebounds, all the while playing against the Bulldogs’ 6-10, 300-pound Coata Malone.
“Our post play has been the heart of this team and Robert just done an outstanding job today,” said California head coach Jim Boone.
Jones led the California charge early on in the contest, scoring 10 of the Vulcans’ first 14 points as Cal played even with the much larger Bulldogs.