Box Score BERKELEY, Calif. -- Sophomore
Sterling Smith scored a career-high 16 points, but California had four players reach double figures in scoring on its way to an 83-64 victory over Coppin State in the season opener for both teams on Friday in Haas Pavilion.
Smith finished the game 6-of-10 from the floor, including making 3-of-5 three-point attempts, to lead the Eagles. He also added seven rebounds, two steals and an assist.
Junior college transfer
Arnold Fripp also reached double figures for Coppin State has he had 11 points and seven points.
California was led by Tyrone Wallace who had a game-high 20 points. Justin Cobbs added 16 points, while Jabari Bird scored 14 and Richard Solomon had 10 points and 10 rebounds.
The Bears shot 47.8 percent from the floor, including 51.5 percent in the second half, and outscored Coppin State 42-24 in the paint.
California used a late run in the first half to pull away from the Eagles.
After Smith connected on a three-pointer, Coppin State trailed 27-21 with 7:04 to play in the first half. The Bears then reeled off a 16-7 run to end the period to take a 43-28 lead into the intermission.
The Eagles cut the lead to 11 points on two occasions in the second half, but that was as close as they could get.
Coppin State continues its west coast swing with a game against Oregon State on Sunday (Nov. 10) at 8 p.m.
