Oregon's high octane offense ran into a glass wall Thursday evening in a 72-62 loss to California at McArthur Court; the Bears out rebounded the Ducks 53 to 31 and methodically shut down Oregon's offense by pounding the backboards for 19 second chance points and 42 points in the paint.

"We've played much better basketball . than we did tonight," allowed a subdued Paul Westhead. "Obviously some of that credit has to go to Cal and their players."

If there is an area of concern - and it has been - it showed again, when we get beat on the offensive boards we really struggle. Because as a running team, we need the ball on (a) missed shot otherwise we are giving up a run and we are giving them an opportunity to score back again, so it's kind of a double jeopardy. And we didn't shoot the ball very well, so everything lined up in a very difficult mode for us."

"We are a better team than that and hopefully we will prove it soon."

Oregon was in the game only for a stretch leading into the half. California jumped to an early lead by running the floor with the Ducks and built a nine point lead five minutes into the contest.

Five minutes later back to back lay-ups by Micaela Cocks and Taylor Lilley gave Oregon a one point lead, and after the teams traded baskets, Cocks hit a pair of free throws for a 28-27 lead, Oregon's last.

The Bears steadily pulled to a 42-32 halftime margin.

That lead grew to 20 as the Bears continued to run with the Ducks when they had to and patiently exploiting their front court possessions when they didn't. If their first - and frequently when their second - shot missed, California muscled Oregon aside on the ball to extend their possessions and keep the Duck's offense stuck in reverse.

Neither team shot the ball well, California a pedestrian 29 of 72 for 40.3%, the Ducks a bit worse, 25-63 for 39.7%.

California defended Oregon's front court effectively, leaving the bulk of the offensive duties in the hands of guards Lilley (16 pts), Cocks (12 pts) and Nia Jackson (10 pts.) Following her 38 point night at Arizona, forward Nicole Canepa attracted a lot of attention and the Bear defense held her to six points on 3-10 shooting.

Amanda Johnson struggled similarly, connecting on 3-9 for six points.

"I think the offensive boards on Cal's end really hurt us," said Lilley "They were definitely more aggressive, bodying up on us."

"It was pretty physical . but I mean that's going to happen . especially in the Pac-10. So we just have to expect that every game and come with it."

The Ducks will get a chance to do just that Saturday when the #2 ranked Stanford Cardinal come calling. Tip is scheduled for 11:00 am - FSN will broadcast.