BERKELEY, Calif. (Interstat) — The California Golden Bears used a dominant second-half performance to pull away from the Charlotte 49ers and secure a 69-44 victory in a non-conference women’s basketball game Saturday at Haas Pavilion.

After a competitive first half, the Golden Bears outscored the 49ers 47-22 over the final two quarters to improve their season record to 3-1. Charlotte fell to 2-3 with the loss.

The game was tightly contested early, with Charlotte building a 17-13 lead after the first quarter. The 49ers’ offense, however, went cold in the second period, managing only five points. California capitalized, taking a 22-18 lead into halftime in a low-scoring defensive struggle.

The third quarter proved to be the decisive stretch. California erupted for 24 points, spearheaded by its backcourt, while holding Charlotte to 13. The Golden Bears’ offensive surge continued into the fourth quarter, where they added another 23 points to seal the victory.

California’s offense was fueled by efficient three-point shooting and a balanced scoring attack. The Golden Bears shot 12 for 27 from beyond the arc, a 44.4 percent clip, while Charlotte managed only 2 of 7 from deep. Overall, California shot 24 of 56 from the field compared to Charlotte’s 18 of 56.

Mjracle Sheppard led the Golden Bears with 16 points, adding six rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Aliyahna Morris recorded a near double-double with 17 points, eight rebounds and a game-high six assists. Taylor Barnes also finished in double figures with 13 points and six rebounds. Sakima Walker anchored the interior defense with nine rebounds and two blocks.

For Charlotte, Zoe Best was the only player to reach double-digit scoring, finishing with 10 points. The 49ers struggled with their shooting efficiency, converting on just 32.1 percent of their field goal attempts and 50 percent of their free throws.

Defensively, Charlotte forced 16 California turnovers, matching their own total, and recorded 10 steals. However, they were unable to overcome their offensive struggles, particularly a second quarter where they made just two field goals.

California entered the game as a heavy favorite according to statistical projections and lived up to that billing with their second-half explosion. The Golden Bears will look to build on this win when they host Saint Mary’s on Thursday. Charlotte returns home to face Wofford next Saturday as they seek to return to the .500 mark.