JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- California's distractions seem about as distant now as the Pacific Ocean.

That disappointing loss in the Pac-10 tournament? Getting sent across the country to open the NCAA tournament? The suspension of a starter?

The Golden Bears overcame them all -- and showed even more resiliency in the first round against Louisville.

Jerome Randle, Patrick Christopher and Theo Robertson -- Cal's senior stars -- stole the show, carrying the eighth-seeded Bears to a 77-62 victory over the No. 9 seed Friday night and advancing to the second round for the first time since 2003.

Randle and Robertson scored 21 points apiece, Christopher added 17 and the Bears (24-10) responded to everything the Cardinals (20-13) could muster in the South Regional game at Veterans Memorial Arena.

Their reward? No. 1 seed Duke on Sunday.

The Bears don't want to think about that one just yet. They'd rather savor this victory. There was plenty to enjoy, too.

They jumped out to an 18-point lead, watched Louisville whittle it down to six, then pulled back out front by 14. They watched that lead get cut to 62-58 with 6:55 remaining, then stepped on the gas for good. Cal finished the game on a 15-4 run.

Rakeem Buckles led Louisville with 20 points. Samardo Samuels added 16.

(Copyright 2010 By The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)