Cal Women Survive Late Drought to Upend Visiting Virginia

Bears hold off late Cavaliers charge to earn Quad 2 victory

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The Cal women's basketball team held off a late comeback attempt by visiting Virginia to earn a 64-58 upset victory on Thursday night. The Bears led by as many as 16 points at halftime and 15 late in the third quarter, but went scoreless for over 4 minutes down the stretch before Lulu Twidale hit four free throws in the final 9 seconds to seal the win.

Why it matters

The victory over the 17-8 Cavaliers, who were ranked 36th in the NET computer rankings, will boost Cal's NCAA tournament chances as they improve to 16-10 overall and 6-5 in ACC play. The Bears entered the game ranked 51st in the NET, so this Quad 2 win is an important resume-building result.

The details

Cal was led by a double-double from center Sakima Walker, who had 20 points and 10 rebounds. Twidale scored 17 points, 13 of them in the first half. The Bears shot 53% in the first half but just 23% in the second half, going scoreless for over 4 minutes late. However, their defense limited Virginia, which was led by 14 points from Tabitha Amanze, to keep the Cavaliers at bay.

  • Cal led 45-29 at halftime.
  • The Bears led by as many as 15 points late in the third quarter.
  • Cal went scoreless for 4 minutes, 16 seconds late in the fourth quarter.
  • Lulu Twidale hit four free throws in the final 9 seconds to seal the win.

The players

Sakima Walker

Cal's senior center who led the team with a double-double of 20 points and 10 rebounds.

Lulu Twidale

Cal guard who scored 17 points, including four crucial free throws in the final 9 seconds to clinch the victory.

Tabitha Amanze

Virginia's leading scorer with 14 points in the losing effort.

Kymora Johnson

Virginia's All-ACC guard who was held to 10 points on 3-of-11 shooting, though she dished out 8 assists.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The Bears return to action at Haas Pavilion on Sunday against Virginia Tech, who beat Stanford on Thursday night. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m.

The takeaway

This hard-fought victory over a ranked ACC opponent will be a major boost to Cal's NCAA tournament hopes as they continue their strong late-season push. The Bears showed resilience in withstanding Virginia's comeback attempt, relying on their defense and timely free throw shooting to secure the important Quad 2 win.