Cal Women's Basketball Edges Closer to NCAA Bid with Win Over Florida State

Lulu Twidale's 30-point performance lifts Bears to crucial victory in ACC matchup

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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In a must-win game for their NCAA tournament hopes, the Cal women's basketball team defeated Florida State 75-62 on the road, led by a dominant 30-point, 17-point-in-the-4th-quarter performance from junior guard Lulu Twidale. The victory improves Cal's record to 17-11 overall and 8-7 in the ACC, keeping them in contention for an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament.

Why it matters

Cal was on the NCAA Tournament bubble entering this game, and a loss could have all but ended their postseason hopes. This victory, fueled by Twidale's heroics, moves the Bears closer to securing their second straight NCAA Tournament appearance after missing out the previous year.

The details

Twidale bounced back from a poor outing in Cal's previous loss to Virginia Tech, scoring 30 points on 10-of-20 shooting, including 5-of-13 from 3-point range. She scored 17 of her points in the pivotal fourth quarter to help the Bears pull away from Florida State. Cal trailed by 3 entering the final period before Twidale hit a 3-pointer and converted a 3-point play to put the Bears ahead for good. The Seminoles shot just 27.8% in the first half and only 2-of-15 in the fourth quarter as their comeback bid fell short.

  • On February 18, Cal lost to Virginia Tech, with Twidale scoring a season-low 4 points.
  • On February 20, Cal defeated Florida State 75-62 in Tallahassee.

The players

Lulu Twidale

A junior guard for the Cal women's basketball team who scored 30 points, including 17 in the fourth quarter, to lead the Bears to a crucial victory over Florida State.

Taylor Barnes

A freshman forward for Cal who missed her sixth straight game with an ankle injury.

Puff Morris

A freshman who came off the bench for Cal, with Claudia Langarita starting in her place.

Sydney Bowles

A player for Florida State who led the Seminoles with 11 points in the first half.

Anastasia Drosouni

A Cal player who hit a key 3-pointer to help the Bears surge to a 32-28 lead in the second quarter.

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What’s next

Cal will look to build on this crucial victory as they continue their push for an NCAA Tournament berth. Their next game is on Sunday against a tough opponent, and a win there would further strengthen their case for an at-large bid.

The takeaway

Lulu Twidale's heroic performance in the fourth quarter kept Cal's NCAA Tournament hopes alive, demonstrating the team's resilience and ability to win close games on the road. This victory could be a pivotal moment in the Bears' season as they aim to secure their second straight NCAA Tournament appearance.