Updated

There is no need for Lindsay Gottlieb to mention the Final Four every day.

Sure, it's on the minds of every one of her California players now that they are two victories from that elusive program first and a trip to the Big Easy.

The second-seeded Golden Bears (30-3) survived a late-game rally by South Florida for an 82-78 overtime win Monday night in Lubbock, Texas, and up next is No. 6 seed LSU (22-11) on Saturday night in the Spokane Regional semifinals.

Gottlieb's message of late has focused on the idea that this special March run will go on until an opponent can find a way to shut down the Bears' balanced offensive attack.

After Monday's close call, Cal realizes just how quickly things can change at this stage.