BERKELEY – A 5-0 second-half run saw the No. 2 California men's water polo team pull off a rousing Sunday afternoon comeback over No. 3 USC, claiming a 10-9 win in front of an electric, packed crowd at Spieker Aquatics Complex.

Playing once again without star center Nikolaos Papanikolaou, the Golden Bears (13-2, 2-1 MPSF) stepped up on both ends of the pool. Cal's offense got four goals from Max Casabella, a hat trick from Albert Ponferrada and two big goals by Jake Howerton, while its defense – led by goalkeeper Adrian Weinberg who had eight saves – shut out the Trojans (10-4, 0-3) for nearly 13 straight minutes in the second half.

It was the Bears' sixth consecutive victory over USC (10-4, 0-3) since 2021.

"It was an identity game," senior Garrett Dunn said. "We came out today just playing for each other. That was the biggest goal of the day. Missing the big man [Papanikolaou] in the center is really difficult, but our guys have stepped up. We're really proud of those guys and just really proud of the team for coming together today and playing for each other."

With the Bears trailing 8-5 several minutes into the third, Howerton kickstarted their key scoring run, converting on a 6-on-5. Casabella made it a one-goal game in the final minute of the period and Ponferrada tied it 8-8 with 5:50 to go in the contest.

A minute after Ponferrada's goal, the Bears got a second-chance opportunity on offense and drew a power play. Immediately after play resumed, Howerton scored to give Cal its first lead of the day.

The Bears' physical defense continued to force misses and frustrate USC, and with 1:36 to go, Roberto Valera assisted Ponferrada for a dagger goal skipped inside the near post to make it 10-8. Weinberg and Ponferrada both blocked shot attempts and Jake Stone snagged a Trojan pass out of there on the visitors' next possessions, sealing the victory.

"We always say that this is a family, not a team," Dunn said. "We talk about playing for each other rather than just ourselves out there, playing for the guy on your left and your right, and showing the love that we have for each other as brothers and teammates."

Howerton finished with a game high three field blocks to go with his two goals. Casabella – who scored three times in the first half to help keep Cal in it – enjoyed his fifth game of four or more goals this season. He also had two assists to tie  Valera and Ponferrada for team-high honors.

Cal continues MPSF play next Saturday, Oct. 14 on the road at No. 5 Stanford in another 1 p.m. PT matchup.

No. 1 California 10, No. 3 USC 9
Cal 2 2 3 3 - 10
USC 4 3 1 1 – 9
Cal Goals: Max Casabella 4, Albert Ponferrada 3, Jake Howerton 2, Jake Stone
USC Goals: Carson Kranz 3, Jake Carter, Luka Bmeric, Massimo Di Martire, Max Miller, Tony Nardelli, Zach Bettino
Cal Saves: Adrian Weinberg 8
USC Saves: Bernardo Herzer 7

Albert Ponferrada with a dagger and this place is going crazy!!! pic.twitter.com/RRqt5q4TNd

— Cal Water Polo (@CalWaterPolo) October 8, 2023

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