California women’s basketball defeated the College of Charleston 78–64 on Thursday extending their unbeaten start to the season to 4–0. The Golden Bears secured the double-digit victory on the road despite a game-high 22 points from the Cougars’ Isla Juffermans.
The Atlantic Coast Conference side traveled to face the Colonial Athletic Association opponent in a non-conference matchup that tested both squads early in the 2026–27 campaign. California improved their record to 4–0 overall and 0–0 in ACC play, while the College of Charleston dropped to 2–2 overall and 0–0 in CAA action.
California Struggles from Three Despite Rebounding Advantage
California shot 39.1% from the field overall, hitting 25 of 64 field goal attempts, and struggled from beyond the arc with a 17.2% conversion rate on 5-of-29 shooting from three-point range. However, the visitors capitalized at the free-throw line, making 23 of 28 attempts for an 82.1% clip. The Golden Bears also controlled the glass with 42 total rebounds, including 13 offensive boards, and forced 18 turnovers.
Lulu Twidale led California with 19 points, shooting 8-for-26 from the floor, and added 4 steals and 2 assists in 33 minutes of action. Shannon Dowell contributed heavily off the bench with 20 points and 6 rebounds, shooting a perfect 9-for-9 from the free-throw line over 22 minutes. Taylor Barnes and Gisella Maul each chipped in 10 points for the winning side.
For the College of Charleston, Isla Juffermans recorded 22 points and 8 rebounds in 30 minutes as a starter, shooting 8-for-17 from the field and 5-for-6 on free throws. Janna Vogelaar added 12 points and 6 rebounds, while Chanel Ndi scored 9 points off the bench. The Cougars shot 42.1% from the field (24-of-57) and connected on 5 of 15 attempts from three-point range, but struggled with 21 turnovers.
| Player | MIN | PTS | REB | AST |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shannon Dowell (Charleston) | 22 | 20 | 6 | 2 |
| Isla Juffermans (Charleston) | 30 | 22 | 8 | 3 |
| Lulu Twidale (California) | 33 | 19 | 4 | 2 |
| Taylor Barnes (California) | 30 | 10 | 6 | 0 |
Quarter-by-Quarter Flow
California set the tone immediately in the opening period, outscoring Charleston 18–3 in the first quarter behind strong perimeter shooting and defensive pressure.
The hosts shot 57.1% from the field in the final period, but California maintained their double-digit cushion by drawing fouls and converting free throws.
