Nov. 15, 2006

Recap |  Box Score

California head coach Ben Braun

General comments:
"We challenged our players defensively. I was pleased with our defensive effort right from the start. I think to hold Utah Valley State scoreless for the first 10 minutes of the game was quite an accomplishment."

"We give ourselves a chance to win if we play well defensively. For us to start the season off with that mindset is important. I thought our discipline was a lot better."

"We got to the line 32 times and that's a good sign. I think we had good stats against a good defensive team. I have a lot of respect for what (Utah Valley State head coach) Dick Hunsaker can do. He's a great coach."

On sophomore forward Theo Robertson:
"I thought Theo Robertson played well again. He didn't score a lot offensively, but he was out there hustling and defending their best player and turning him into more of an average player."

On freshman forward Ryan Anderson:
"Ryan Anderson gave us a lift. I thought Ryan played with good poise and played aggressively. He's really been a weapon for us and makes a lot of good things happen."

On junior center DeVon Hardin:
"DeVon Hardin played aggressively and his defense got better in the second half. You want DeVon to be aggressive. They were trying to get him into foul trouble early."

On Utah Valley State head coach Dick Hunsaker:
"Dick Hunsaker does a great job. His team knows how to play a good game and they will get some big wins this season."

On Saturday's game at San Diego State:
"This is the first of two games in a row where we will be challenged by a tough, good team. It'll be a good challenge for our team. We've got some work to do and a short amount of time to do it in. We're going to have our hands full trying to stop the ball. It'll be a tough game Saturday."