In a holiday message to his colleagues throughout the University of California system, UC President Mark Yudof expresses his gratitude for the hard work and commitment of the university's faculty and staff through an exceptionally challenging year.

Santa Clara (6-4) finishes its two-game swing in Houston at Rice (4-4) on Wed., Dec. 16 before returning home to host eight straight home games. It will be Rice's first game in 11 days due to final exams. Santa Clara

Santa Clara leaves the Bay Area for colder weather, playing the Golden Gophers of Minnesota Wednesday at 5 p.m. PT, then meeting Boise State at the Taco Bell Arena Saturday, at 12 p.m. PT.