Cal Bears center Milos Illic (8) takes a shot against the UIC Flames forward Mekhi Lowrey (22) and forward Abdul Momoh (7) in the first half at Haas Pavilion in Berkeley on Wed Mar 18, 2026 (photo by Michael Villanueva)

Cal Bears podcast Michael Villanueva:

#1 Michael, this was a game that Cal Bears forward Chris Bell finished 31 poins he ran the ball leading in scoring for Cal at times a close game but how much was it based on Bell’s performance that helped Cal pull this out against the UIC Flames?

#2 Bell also was effective from the free thow line in a game where every basket was crucial.

#3 Talk about John Camden who finished third in scoring with 13 points he also help Cal in this game with with three 3 pointers.

#4 Justin Pippin finished second in scoring with 18 points he’s been key all season long but in an important NIT game he’s was someone coach Mark Madson could rely on for the clutch shot.

#5 Cal returns to Haas Pavilion Sunday to face off for the second round of these NIT Tournament games it never gets easier as you move up in the NIT rounds as they face the St Joseph Hawks.

Michael Villanueva is Cal Bears basketball podcast contributor at http://www.sportsradioservice.com