Jaelyn Brown

Behind two veteran leaders, some improving returners and a talented newcomer, Cal basketball is in position to have one of its best seasons yet.

This weekend, Cal women’s basketball will be heading to Penn State to face off against the Lady Lions for its first away game of the season.

Anigwe ended the game with her 42nd career double-double and 11th 30-point performance, going for 37 points and grabbing 13 rebounds, making sure the Bears embark on a two-game road trip on the right foot.

After an offseason filled with contemplation, introspection and desire to break through to that next level — game time is finally here, and the Bears have a chance to make a statement.

The Cal women’s basketball team is entering the new school year with confidence, eyeing a third straight NCAA tournament appearance come next spring.

On an afternoon in which two players fouled out and its star went cold, Cal women’s basketball managed to escape the first round of the Pac-12 Tournament with a 71-68 victory over Washington to advance to the quarterfinals.

The No. 6 Ducks (21-3, 10-1) proved once again that they are a legitimate threat to challenge for the NCAA title in March and April, putting together a textbook performance against the Bears (15-7, 6-5) from start to finish.

Though Cal has yet to drop a game to an unranked opponent, its matchup with USC (13-5, 3-4) is expected to be far from a stroll in the park.

In a game which featured both teams shooting 36 percent from the field, it was rebounding that separated UCLA from Cal as the Bruins out-rebounded the Bears 44 to 33.

The veteran presence and an elite rotation of stars have been established. The team’s respect for each other and enjoyment level has been acknowledged and celebrated. Now it’s up to the Bears to deliver and overcome their early bumps in the road.