BERKELEY— Playing in their second and final exhibition game of the 2012-13 season, it was the visiting SF State Gators hanging tough with the Cal Golden Bears losing just 89-80 this evening before 4840 fans at Haas Pavilion.  Nefi Perdomo paced the Gators with 23 points while Decensae White chipped in 19 points while grabbing 7 rebounds and blocking three shots.
 
“This was a great experience for our guys and I would like to thank Cal for playing us this evening,” said SF State head coach Paul Trevor.  “Nefi (Perdomo) and Calvin (Otiono) handled their pressure well as we just turned the ball over five times.” 
 
The Gators played with Cal even in the first half and was down just 22-20 with 9:25 left, but the Golden Bears outscored their hosts 19-5 in the next five minutes to take a 41-25 lead. 
 
Allen Crabbe's two made free throws with 34 seconds left sent the game into the half with a 49-34 Cal lead. 
 
Cal, who is picked to finish third in the Pac 12, held on to the double digit lead until the 15 minute mark of the second half, when the Gators went on a 13-4 run capped by a Decensae White jumper to cut the deficit to 66-57.
 
“It was a matter of time for Decensae (White),” added Trevor.  “He is a big strong player who is also a high level player. “

SF State kept plugging away at the Cal lead and cut to 85-80 on an Will Overton, Jr. three with 67 seconds to go in regulation. 

The Golden Bears made all four of their free throw attempts in the final minute as they hung on for a 89-80 victory.
 
SF State had just five turnovers and had 14 assists led by Otiono's five. 
 
Cal had four players score in double figures led by Allen Crabbe's game high 28 points. 
 
The Gators will now have ten days until their regular season opener in Rohnert Park, Calif., as they face Dominican University in the first round of the Ron Logsdon Classic with a scheduled 5:30pm tip-off.


Box Score