Cal's Sakima Walker Leads Decisive WBIT Victory Over K-State

Senior center records career highs in points and rebounds to power Bears' second-round win.

Mar. 23, 2026 at 2:23am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Senior center Sakima Walker delivered career highs of 28 points and 16 rebounds, leading the Cal women's basketball team to an 83-75 victory over Kansas State in the second round of the WBIT event in Manhattan, Kansas. The Bears led by as many as 25 points in the fourth quarter on their way to a second postseason victory for the first time since 2013.

Why it matters

Walker's dominant performance helped the Bears advance to the quarterfinals of the 32-team WBIT tournament, where they will host Columbia on Thursday. Cal is looking to continue its postseason run after making it to the Final Four in 2013.

The details

Walker shot 13-for-18 from the field and added 4 assists. Junior guard Lulu Twidale contributed 17 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists, while freshman forward Taylor Barnes hit 5 3-pointers and scored 17 points. Cal shot 55.2% from the field and outrebounded Kansas State 37-23.

  • The game was played on Sunday, March 23, 2026.
  • Cal will host Columbia in the quarterfinals on Thursday.

The players

Sakima Walker

Senior center for the Cal women's basketball team who recorded career highs of 28 points and 16 rebounds in the win over Kansas State.

Lulu Twidale

Junior guard for the Cal women's basketball team who contributed 17 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists in the victory.

Taylor Barnes

Freshman forward for the Cal women's basketball team who hit 5 3-pointers and scored 17 points in the game.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Sakima Walker delivered a career performance to power our decisive win over Kansas State. Her dominance on both ends of the floor was a key factor in us advancing to the quarterfinals.”

— Charmin Smith, Head Coach, Cal Women's Basketball

What’s next

Cal will host Columbia in the quarterfinals of the WBIT tournament on Thursday. Tipoff time has yet to be determined.

The takeaway

Sakima Walker's career-best game led the Cal women's basketball team to an impressive second-round victory in the WBIT tournament, setting up a quarterfinal matchup at home against Columbia. The Bears are looking to continue their postseason run and make a deep tournament push.