UNLV Women's Basketball defeats Prairie View A-M 73-60

Stuck around Haas Pavilion for the second game in the first round of the Cal Classic between the UNLV Rebels and Prairie View A-M Lady Panthers.

Though Markiell Styles, originally from Oakland, had some fan representation.

The rest of the crowd was unfortunately slim.

But I guess it's hard to get a fan base for teams from Vegas and Texas.

UNLV defeated Prairie View A-M 73-60.

The game ended just in time for me to head to the city for the Google Commerce and Local holiday party at the Metreon with my buddy Niket Desai who's company Punchd was recently purchased by Google. I am half responsible for introducing him to the cofounder and creator Reed when Polina, Tania and I were going ice skating almost 2 years ago, she invited Reed and I invited Niket... and the rest is history! It's pretty cool to live in the bay area and have a diverse group of friends, there's always something exciting going on!

Cal Women's Basketball defeats CSU Bakersfield 86-56

Immediately after the Benicia Community Arts class headed to Berkeley for Cal Women's Basketball vs CSU Bakersfield for the Cal Classic.

After being very involved with Cal Women's Basketball for the hiring of Lindsay, this was the first game I was able to photograph for US Presswire.

It was so exciting to see the freshman come out and play hard.

Very hard!

You know it's a serious game when one coach takes their jacket off!

Cal came away with a comfortable 86-56 win over the Roadrunners. It's amazing what Coach Gottlieb has done with program in such a short time. And she seems pretty happy about it =)

Cal Men's Basketball defeat McNeese State 73-57

Headed over to Haas Pavilion for Cal Men's Basketball vs McNeese State

Cal struggled in the first half. But thanks to a buzzer shot by Allen Crabbe that sent them into the locker rooms with a 28-26 lead, and I'm sure a less than enjoyable talking to from Montgomery, Cal came out strong in the second half.

Jorge Gutierrez posted a season high 26 points.

But everyone was really putting up the effort, haha

There were two scary moments when Allen Crabbe hit the base of the basket (perhaps Cal should switch to hanging baskets?)

And another when Harper Kamp was fouled mid air and landed right on the ground.

Thankfully both players were able to continue playing, but I'm sure they are feeling it today.

The bears pulled away with 73-57 win over the Cowboys.

Cal Bears Men's Basketball defeats Denver Pioneers 80-59

Headed over to Haas Pavilion for an afternoon matchup between the California Golden Bears and the Denver Pioneers.

Unfortunately Montgomery had to sit Jorge Gutierrez for a large part of the game after some early foul trouble.

But Justin Cobbs stepped into the role posting a career high 22 points as part of an 80-59 victory over Denver.

And though Allen Crabbe has been struggling with his shooting, he still had a great game for the Bears.

Along with his high school teammate Richard Solomon.

It's so cool that these two played together in high school, and now are playing together at Cal. I'm sure that made the transition to college much less intimidating.

Robert Thurman came in late in the game, and I don't know if it's just me, but he's looking a lot bigger than last year. Looking at a portrait I took of him fall 2010, here, looks like he's added a lot of muscle, not necessarily in his arms, which were already pretty strong, but his whole body. And you know he must be, if he can box out two guys with his body like this.

Another guy doing a great job boxing out, Jeff Powers. I think he enjoys playing basketball, don't you?

Santa Clara defeats San Jose State 84-58

Headed down to Leavey Center for Santa Clara Men's Basketball vs my parents alma mater San Jose State.

Though I've been to Santa Clara University a number of times for San Jose Earthquakes games, and taken Arturo Alvarez's portraits and FC Gold Pride photos in Leavey Center and have photographed Santa Clara Men's Basketball during the WCC Championship, this was the first time I've photographed the Broncos at Leavey Center.

The Spartans fell to the Broncos 84-58.

CCSF Womens Soccer defeats Skyline 3-1

Headed back to City College of San Francisco for CCSF Rams Womens Soccer first playoff game.

City defeated Skyline in an exciting 3-1 victory.

City College is such a cool place to photograph, a brand new field on the east side of campus perched upon a hill where "the fog comes on little cat feet" overlooking the south side of the city

Saint Mary's defeats Northern Iowa 57-41

Headed over to McKeon Pavilion for the Saint Mary's Gaels vs the Northern Iowa Panthers.

What was unique about this game, as part of midnight madness, tip off wasn't until 11pm.

I had only been to Saint Mary's once before, when I was about 11. But knew it was off Hwy-24, through Orinda in Moraga. I didn't realize it would be a 7 mile woodsy drive, and thankfully my phone worked out there as I pulled over a few times thinking, I can't still be going in the right direction? Generally not ideal to be lost in the dark. But I made it! And what an atmosphere!

Great crowd, some who were likely up past their bed time and thrilled about it.

Some who were up past their bed time... and quite ready for bed, haha.

St Mary's defeated Northern Iowa (wow, it was like a 2 am start for them!) 57-41, with the final buzzer ringing after 1am and I didn't return home until after 2am. But I had a blast!! What a fun idea!