Ivan Rabb’s return can’t spark Cal vs. San Diego State

The sophomore forward, who was making his season debut Monday night after returning from a toe injury, brings with him a confidence that permeates the entire squad.

[...] on this night, confidence wasn’t nearly enough against San Diego State, which used a gritty defense effort and prioritized ball security to grab a 77-65 victory in the nightcap of a doubleheader at the immaculate Golden 1 Center.

Behind Brynton Lemar’s 23 points, six rebounds and five assists, UC Davis beat Sacramento State 81-72 in an opening act that was overshadowed by the drama of the finale.

Cal, which trailed by as many as 19 points and was still down by double figures in the game’s final minute, got two free throws from Roger Moute a Bidias to trim the deficit to 74-65 with 36.6 seconds left.

[...] any chance at a miracle comeback was squashed by the Aztecs’ clinching free throws and turnover margin (Cal committed 16, SDSU a mere five ).

Tabbed an Associated Press Preseason All-American and placed on the watch lists for the Wooden Award, Karl Malone Power Forward of the Year and Naismith Trophy, Rabb finished with 19 points and 11 rebounds.

With three-fifths of Cal’s projected starters unavailable Wednesday, freshman point guard Charlie Moore scored 38 points in an overtime win over UC Irvine, the fourth-highest total among freshmen in Pac-12 history and enough to earn Player of the Week honors Monday.