BERKELEY, Calif. (Interstat) — In a nonconference women’s basketball clash between two teams riding early-season momentum, the California Golden Bears outlasted the Saint Mary’s Gaels 70-62 on Thursday afternoon at Haas Pavilion.

A dominant opening quarter from the home team proved to be the difference, as California built a lead that Saint Mary’s challenged but could never overcome. The victory pushed both teams to identical 5-1 records on the young season.

The Golden Bears came out firing, racing to a 23-12 lead after the first period. Sakima Walker, California’s 6-foot-5 center from Columbus, Ohio, was the primary catalyst, establishing her presence in the paint early and often. The Gaels, however, displayed their resilience in the second quarter, outscoring California 19-16 to trim the deficit to 39-31 at halftime.

Saint Mary’s continued its push after the break, winning the third quarter 18-10. Their defensive intensity increased, stifling the Golden Bears’ offense and slowly chipping away at the lead. The Gaels’ effort brought them within striking distance heading into the final period.

But California responded in the fourth quarter, regrouping to outscore Saint Mary’s 21-13 and secure the victory. The Golden Bears’ key players made crucial plays down the stretch to fend off the determined Gaels.

Walker was the standout performer of the afternoon, finishing with a game-high 25 points on efficient shooting, just missing a double-double with 9 rebounds. She also added 3 assists and 2 blocks, anchoring California on both ends of the floor. She was complemented superbly by guard Lulu Twidale from the Sunshine Coast, Australia, who contributed 18 points and 4 assists in 37 minutes of action.

The Golden Bears’ offense was expertly run by point guard Aliyahna Morris of Rancho Cucamonga, California. The 5-foot-5 floor general dished out 11 assists while committing only one turnover, consistently breaking down the Saint Mary’s defense and creating opportunities for her teammates.

For the Gaels, the scoring load was shared, with Emily Foy of Newcastle, Australia, coming off the bench to lead the team with 12 points. Abigail Shoff of Redding, California, added 10 points, while Malia Latu of East Palo Alto, California, and Jada Hunter of Vallejo, California, chipped in 9 and 8 points, respectively.

Edie Clarke, a 6-foot-4 forward from Melbourne, Australia, was a force defensively and on the glass for Saint Mary’s. She pulled down 8 rebounds, distributed 4 assists, and recorded a block, though she was limited to 5 points.

The game was played in front of an announced crowd of 4,624 at a raucous Haas Pavilion. The win gives California positive momentum as they head to a multi-team event in Frisco, Texas. The Golden Bears are scheduled to face Grand Canyon on Monday and Auburn on Wednesday.

Saint Mary’s, which saw its five-game winning streak snapped, will also travel to Frisco for its next contests. The Gaels will play Oregon on Tuesday and North Texas on Wednesday as they look to rebound from the hard-fought loss.