Preview: California Golden Bears at Stanford Cardinal PALO ALTO, Calif. (Interstat) — Two of the Atlantic Coast Conference’s top early-season teams will meet Sunday when the Stanford Cardinal host the California Golden Bears in a women’s basketball rivalry game at Maples Pavilion. Stanford (8-2) enters the contest looking to rebound from its last outing, a narrow 65-62 home loss to then-Tennessee on Dec. 3. The Cardinal have not played since, providing an 11-day break to prepare for conference play. California (8-3) carries momentum from a 68-61 victory over Idaho on Wednesday. The Golden Bears have won two straight since a one-point road loss at Missouri on Dec. 4. The matchup features a compelling contrast in standout performers. Stanford is led by forward Nunu Agara, a consistent force who has scored in double figures in every game this season. Agara is coming off a 38-minute, 14-point effort against Tennessee and previously posted a 24-point game against Lehigh and a 16-point, 11-rebound double-double at Gonzaga. For California, guard Gisella Maul has emerged as a key contributor. She led the Golden Bears with 15 points in 27 minutes off the bench in the win over Idaho, her most productive outing in recent weeks. Her playmaking will be crucial against Stanford’s defense. Stanford holds a significant rest advantage, but California has played more recently, logging games on Dec. 7 and Dec. 10. The Cardinal’s two losses came by a combined seven points, while the Golden Bears’ three defeats were by an average of 9.3 points. This game marks the ACC opener for both schools. The conference schedule will see them meet again in Berkeley on Jan. 25. Sunday’s winner will gain an early edge in the conference standings and state rivalry. Tipoff is set for 5 p.m. PST at Maples Pavilion.