Category: ACC

Pittsburg Stuns California on their Senior Day and Home finale, 72-56!!

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California Golden Bear (#7) guard Dai Dai Ames shoots a corner three-pointer over Pittsburg Panther (#8) guard Omari Witherspoon on February 28th, 2026, in Berkeley, California, at the Haas Pavilion. (Photo credits to Michael Villanueva)

By Michael Villanueva

BERKELEY – California played its last home game of the season on Saturday afternoon, hosting the Pittsburg Panthers on the Golden Bears’ Senior Day. A goodbye to their seniors, the fans who always came to the games, and to the “Haas of Pain.” This game is potentially a big one for Cal, as a win could solidify their chances of making it to the NCAA March Madness tournament. This game also meant a lot to Pittsburg as their fighting for the last seed in their conference tournament. So with that, both teams came out fighting, but the Panthers would be able to endure the “Haas of Pain” and win the game by 16 points, 72-56.

The last time the Panthers and the Golden Bears ran into each other was on January 1st, 2025, in Pittsburg. The game would go to the Panthers, 86-74. The all-time series between these two schools is 2-2, so a win today will give the lead to either of them. California entered this game riding a three-game winning streak; their most recent win was three days ago against SMU, 73-69. However, the Golden Bears aren’t too golden as they lost the last two recent matchups to Pittsburg in a row. After todays game, California would now have dropped the last 3 games in a row to Pittsburgh.

California started with a familiar lineup we’ve all seen. The Golden Bears went with guards Justin Pippen, Dai Dai Ames, and forwards John Camden, Chris Bell, and Lee Dort. Lee Dort was out on injury for seven games, but made his return in the Bears’ last game against the SMU Mustangs. California honored seven graduating Bears before the game in a Senior Day ceremony. The graduating Bears were DeJuan Campbell, John Camden, Milos Ilic, Nolan Dorsey, Chris Bell, Rytis Petraitis, and Lee Dort.

The Panthers came into the Pavilion with forwards Roman Siulepa, Cameron Corhen, and guards Omari Witherspoon, Damarco Minor, and Barry Dunning Jr. Pittsburg senior Cameron Corhen has been on a run lately, averaging 19.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 4 assists in their last three games. They also sit on a three-way tie with Notre Dame and Boston College for the last spot in the upcoming ACC Tournament.

With the crowd on their feet and ready to cheer on the Bears. Pittsburgh Panthers guard Damarco Minor would hit a three-pointer, followed right up by a fastbreak dunk. This quick 5-0 scoring run would quite the fans for now. Eventually, Lee Dort would get the Bears on the board with a quick layup inside the paint.

In the first 10 minutes of play, Cal was having a rough start in the afternoon with already having 6 turnovers. While Pittsburg just had 1 turnover, and was shooting well on the court to back up their lead. The Panthers were shooting 43% while the Bears were at a low 37%. The score was 7-14, but Bear Dejuan Campbell scored 5 points by himself in 5 minutes to bring the score to 12-14.

Guard Dejuan Campbell’s impact in the 1st half sparked the Golden Bears to lock in and focus on the team’s last home game. The Bears would finish the first half with 12 turnovers, and gave up 14 points in those turnovers. However, the Bears’ shooting brought them closer. As they never had the lead at all during the game, but that would change in the 2nd half.

At halftime, the Golden Bears were down to the Panthers 34-26. Dejuan would lead the Bears with 8 points in his 9 minutes of playing time. His impact and presence on the court was a big factor for the Bears to come back and win this game. His ability to be ready at all times and at anytime proves how valuable their bench is. The Bears’ bench would go and put up 12 points in the 1st half.

The Panthers again would get the half going off another three-pointer from Damarco Minor. Then Golden Bear forward Chris Bell would get a three-pointer to fall right after Minor’s shot. Cal is entering this half playing catch-up to Pittsburgh. With 10 minutes into play, nothing much has changed. The Bears would be able to hit some shots, then eventually go on multiple scoring droughts. Which was really slowing down their comeback. The score is now 52-44, Panthers hold a 8 point lead.

With 4 minutes left, the Bears are starting to run out, and safe to say Dai Dai Ames is on it. Ames drives to the paint for a layup, getting fouled, and knocking down his free throw for a three-point play. His efforts, trying to somehow get the Bears going and the crowd back in the game wasn’t enough. Especially the Panthers going on a 7-0 scoring run right after that. Pushing Pittsburgh’s lead to 14 points in this timeframe.

Although the results weren’t what the Bears and their fans were expecting. The graduating bears and players put on one last show in their home. They were lead by Dai Dai Ames with 11 points and 2 rebounds. On the other side of the bench, Pittsburgh Panthers forward Barry Dunning Jr would put up a double-double in Berkeley’s home finale.

The California Golden Bears have two more games left in the season, but will be on the road. Their first stop will be against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets on March 4th, then they will end their season against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons on March 7th. These last few games will project the Golden Bears’ chances for the NCAA March Madness tournament and their seeding placement in the ACC Tournament.

Cal Bears Win 3 in a Row, as they Beat SMU Mustangs, 73-69

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California Golden Bear forward (#2) John Camden drives to the basket for the slam against SMU Mustangs in the Haas Pavilion on February 25th, 2026, at Berkeley, California. (Photo credits to Michael Villanueva)

By Michael Villanueva

BERKELEY – The California Golden Bears hosted the SMU Mustangs on Wednesday night at Haas Pavilion, four days after the Bears’ big win over their school rival, Stanford last Saturday. The final score of that game was 72-66, so the Golden Bears were ready to stay golden on their home court.

Cal did exactly that as they beat the SMU Mustangs, 73-69 on Wednesday night, Bears forward Chris Bell scored his third straight 20 points or more game this season doing it in 22 games.

The last time the Mustangs and the Bears faced off was on February 26th, 2025, in Berkeley as the Mustangs got the win, 81-77. For California head coach Mark Madsen he was looking for his first win against SMU. As the Bears trail in the all-time series with the Mustangs, 1-4, noting that Cal has lost the last four in a row to SMU. However, things can change in a year, and all that would change Wedneday as the Bears were able to defeat the Mustangs.

Over the last ten games, both schools went 6-4 and are right on each other’s tail as the season gets closer to its end. Prior to the game Cal was sitting in ninth place while the Mustangs were ahead of them in eighth place. So both schools came into Haas Pavilion determined to win and help their school rank as high as possible before the Men’s ACC basketball tournament, which starts on March 10th through the 14th.

Cal started with Dai Dai Ames, Justin Pippen, John Camden, Bell, and Milos Ilic. Ames is averaging 17.1 points and shooting 47.2%. Over the past ten games, Camden has made 3.3 3-pointers on average. Camden is also top-25 in the nation on his 3-point shooting percentage at 42.4%, along with Pippen being in the top-75 in the nation in steals at 1.84 per game.

For the Mustangs, Kevin Miller averages 18.7 points, 6.9 assists, and 1.8 steals. Over the past ten games, Jaron Pierre Jr. has averaged 18.2 points. The Mustangs’ starting five were B.J. Edwards, Boopie Miller, Corey Washington, Samet Yigitglu, and Jaron Pierre Jr. This is SMU’s only meeting with Berkeley this season.

Camden got the balling going with a jumper, followed by back to back three pointers from Bell. Bell’s last home game four days ago he dropped 20 points against Stanford.

After the first five minutes of play, the score was 13-9, and the Bears led over the Mustangs due to Bell’s hot start. Altogether, Cal has already made five 3 three pointers. Cal is shooting above 50% in all categories while the Mustangs are shooting below 44%. Also, for two minutes, the Mustangs went scoreless, which helped the Bears hold the lead.

Ten minutes into play Bell made a strong cut to the basket on the baseline for a layup, forcing SMU coach Andy Enfield to call a timeout. The Bears increased their lead by seven, the score is now 20-13. Again, the Mustangs found themselves in another scoring drought for two minutes and a half minutes, so the Bears kept taking advantage and taking it to them. Bell at 13 points, led the team early in this game.

At half, the Bears held onto the lead, 38-33. However, it got physical and chippy between the two clubs. Both teams are were shooting, playing, and statistically in the same play pool as each other. Bell is leading the Bears still, but with 15 points, two rebounds, and one assist. Cal is playing cautious and smart with the ball as they know the Mustangs thrive on turnovers, so they have limited their turnovers with just four in the first half, while the Mustangs had six turnovers.

Coming back from their lockers, Pippen hit a midrange jumper to break the ice and in the second half is when SMU got things going. Cal had gone through a scoring drought for three minutes. During that drought, the Mustangs fought their way back, going on a 7-0 scoring run. With 13 minutes remaining in the game, the Mustangs got their first lead of the night at 46-45. Pippen was able to record his 23rd double-digit point in 26 games.

In the final ten minutes, Cal’s shooting took a wrong turn, like in the final half. The Bears were able to just make two three pointers compared to their five in the first half.

Camden was able to get a bucket to make it a total of three, and give the Bears back the lead at 53-50. Cal and SMU continue to go at it and exchange buckets against each other. SMU made a three, but Cal came right down the court to hit a three and get their fans back into the game.

In the final two minutes of the game, SMU forward Corey Washington scored seven points on his own to give the Mustangs back the lead at 65-64. Pippen would hit a midrange jumper to get the lead back to put the Bears in front 68-67.

Then, later, after SMU couldn’t get a basket, Pippen smartly drew a foul to send him to the free-throw line. He would make both of them and push the lead by three points, 70-67. Cal would end up finishing and taking home the win.

Cal went onto another win on their home floor, as they and SMU switch places in the ACC standings. Cal picking up their 20th win and SMU taking their tenth loss.

The Golden Bears are now in eighth place while the Mustangs move down to the ninth seed. This win was also Cal head coach Mark Madsen’s first career win against SMU as Cal now jumps to three straight wins in a row.

The Bears will return right back in the Haas Pavilion on Saturday, Feb. 28th, 2026, at 1 p.m for Senior Day. Cal will host the Pittsburgh Panthers and hopefully look to take the lead in the all-time series lead which currently stands at 2-2. Pittsburgh has won the last two meetings over Cal.

Cal Falls to No. 20 Clemson 77–55 at Haas Pavilion on Rock Your Crocs Night

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California Golden Bear forward #22 Chris Bell shoots his 2nd free throw attempt with 7:37 remaining in the 1st half in the Haas Pavilion on Saturday evening on February 7th, 2026. (Photo Credits to Michael Villanueva)

By Michael Villanueva

BERKELEY – In front of an excited home crowd, the California Golden Bears played No. 20 Clemson on Saturday night at Haas Pavilion for Rock Your Crocs Night. However, after early signs of optimism, the Tigers easily won 77–55.

Cal came into the game having lost the previous two meetings and losing the all-time series versus Clemson 2–1. Tigers have made it three straight losses in a row. The conference matchup was made more interesting by the fact that, like Georgia Tech before them, this was Clemson’s first time visiting Haas Pavilion. The Tigers started with RJ Godfrey, Jestin Porter, Jake Wahlin, Ace Buckner, and Carter Welling, while the Golden Bears, with their starting five of John Camden, Chris Bell, Justin Pippen, Dai Dai Ames, and center Milos Ilic, took the floor.

Cal was prepared to make a statement first. Justin Pippen quickly ignited the fans with a driving layup after the Golden Bears won the tip. Cal made all three of the team’s shots, while Pippen and Chris Bell led the squad in the first few minutes, with Pippen scoring seven points without a miss and Bell adding six. whereas Clemson had a difficult start, missing multiple shots and committing two turnovers in a nearly four-minute stretch. Five minutes into the game, the Golden Bears had a 13–9 lead, and the crowd was loving it.

However, things suddenly changed quickly. The Bears committed four turnovers in just four minutes, which led to Cal’s offensive decline and allowed Clemson to gain the upper hand. As they found their groove, the Tigers played with accuracy, dishing out nine assists. Their bench also added 20 points, which increased the pressure. The game shifted in favor of Clemson after a 17–1 scoring run over almost ten minutes, as Cal missed 13 straight field goals, falling to 24 percent shooting in the first half. The Tigers’ defense forced nine turnovers, made four blocks, and recorded four steals, keeping Cal to 38 percent from three-point range and giving Clemson a dominating 39–20 advantage at halftime.

Pippen opened the second half by making a midrange jumper and turning the foul into a three-point play. Bell slowly started to find his stride and made back-to-back shots to give the Golden Bears some energy after a short scoring slump. However, Clemson kept their dominance. The Tigers led 56–41 with eight minutes left, and RJ Godfrey’s three-pointer off a foul put them ahead 59–41. Any Cal comeback attempts were consistently stopped by Clemson’s effective offense and defense, which included aggressive drives, rebounds, and smart fouls that sent them to the line.

After Cal missed another field goal going for three minutes, the Tigers took the lead by 24 points, and then the team went on a 9–0 run in two minutes late in the second half, leading fans to begin leaving Haas Pavilion with five minutes remaining. In the closing minutes, Cal coach Mark Madsen started to slowly remove his starters. Despite scoring 33 points in the second half, the Golden Bears were unable to overcome Clemson’s dominant performance. Tigers made 12 three pointers in this game, compared to the home team Bears, who only made 4 all game.

Milos Ilic pulled down a team-high eight rebounds and added two assists, while Justin Pippen led Cal with 19 points. This is Justin’s 20th game this season, scoring in double-digits.

In front of an energetic, Croc-loving home crowd, Clemson easily won the game 77–55, handing Cal a 22-point loss. After an early hot start, the Golden Bears found it difficult to recover from the Tigers’ strong offensive attack and defensive pressure. Clemson is in 2nd place, while the Cal Bears are in 10th place in their conference. Syracuse came into the West Coast and won their games, going 2-0 in the Bay.

In an attempt to bounce back from the hard loss at home, the Golden Bears will travel for their next two games, starting at 4 p.m. on February 11 against Syracuse, who are currently on a two-game losing skid, and Boston College at 9 a.m. on February 14.

Golden Bears Protect Their Cave Against Yellow Jackets, Final Score: 90-85 Cal Wins!

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California Golden Bear #7 Dai Dai Ames shoots a free throw after being fouled with 15:18 remaining in the Haas Pavilion at Berkeley, CA on February 4th, 2026. (Photo by Michael Villanueva)

By Michael Villanueva

BERKELEY – At Haas Pavilion on Wednesday night, the California Golden Bears defeated Georgia Tech 90-85. Cal improved its impressive home record to 14-2 after returning home from a conference game against Stanford and a split during last week’s two-game road trip in Florida.

With a 3-1 lead in the all-time series, Cal took on Georgia Tech for the fifth time in program history. The Yellow Jackets, however, had won the most previous game in Atlanta on February 15, 2025, 90-88 in overtime. Georgia Tech played its first game ever at Haas Pavilion on Wednesday.

Dai Dai Ames, Justin Pippen, John Camden, Chris Bell, and Milos Ilic were the Golden Bears’ starting lineup. Pippen had averaged 15 points, 4.4 assists, and two steals in the ten games leading up to this point, whereas Ames came into the game averaging 16.6 points per game for Cal.

Lamar Washington, Jaeden Mustaf, Kam Craft, Baye Ndongo, and Kowacie Reeves Jr. were the starting lineup for Georgia Tech. Reeves Jr. came into the game averaging 15.8 points per game for the Yellow Jackets, and Ndongo had averaged 12.9 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks in the ten games prior.

Besides the excitement on the court, the evening included Cal’s Coaches vs. Cancer campaign and Faculty and Staff Appreciation Night, which honored university community members throughout the evening.

Ames made the opening basket of the evening with a midrange jumper, giving Cal a confident start to the game. The Golden Bears relied largely on Ames, who scored 10 points in the first seven minutes on a perfect 4-of-4 shooting attempt and converted each of their first three field goal attempts.

Cal took an early 17–13 lead because of Ames’ strong start, but things quickly changed after he was benched. The Golden Bears had a scoring slump, missing six straight shots in the two minutes Ames was out of the game, while Georgia Tech answered with a 4-0 run.

Midway through the first half, Cal took control again. The Golden Bears extended their lead to 26–16 with eight minutes left after making three straight 3-pointers as part of a 9–0 run that kept Georgia Tech scoreless for almost three and a half minutes.

After that, Cal started to struggle with turnovers as the Bears made three consecutive mistakes in a span of two and a half minutes. Georgia Tech took advantage of this and closed the lead with a 7-0 run. In only 41 seconds, Cal replied with a 6-0 run that included five of its final seven field goals and two more straight 3-pointers.

The Golden Bears finished the half in a rhythm, making all three of their last attempts and making two more straight 3-pointers. After playing its last three games away from home, Cal was leading 43–29 at the half because of the support of the home crowd. The Bears shot more than 50% from the field, beyond the arc, and at the free-throw line at the end of the first half, including eight 3-pointers. No place like home.

Georgia Tech had a strong start to the second half, cutting the lead to 47–44 with an 11–0 run in the first three minutes. Georgia Tech scored 15 points while Cal only managed four in the early going. The Yellow Jackets kept getting better, scoring three 3-pointers in the first five minutes—more than they had in the first half—and going on a four-minute, 20-2 run to take their first lead of the game, 51-49. The Bears were having trouble establishing a rhythm, and Cal’s 15-point halftime lead was gone. Cal only scored eight points in the paint, while Georgia Tech scored 34.

Cal’s offense came alive in the last seven minutes. Ames took back the lead at 67–65 with five baskets in 37 seconds. Chris Bell increased the lead to 70–65 with his second 3-pointer of the evening. Pippen extended the lead to 72–65 with a smooth pick-and-roll with Ilic on the next possession. In the crucial last seconds, Georgia Tech struggled to make baskets, only making two of nine shots.

Bell made another 3-pointer with two minutes left, but Fleming of Georgia Tech answered with a triple of his own to make it 80-77 with 1:00 remaining. With 43.9 seconds left, Ames drove to the basket, drew a foul, and made a 1-of-2 free throw to put Cal ahead 81-77. After that, the Golden Bears used timely scoring and precise free-throw shooting to win, 90-85.

Cal’s team highs: Justin Pippen had six assists, Milos Ilic had nine rebounds, and Dai Dai Ames had 29 points. Ames shot 69 percent from the field and missed just four shots.

John has now scored in double figures in five of the last six games and made at least one three-pointer in 22 of 23 games. Cal’s starting five all scored in double figures for the first time this season, while Dai Dai Ames recorded his tenth game of 20 points or more. On Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 5 p.m., the Golden Bears will host No. 20/19 Clemson at Berkeley, California’s Haas Pavilion for their final home game before a 2 game road trip to Syracuse and Boston College.

Cal Golden Bears loses Sell Out Game to No.6 Duke Blue Devils, 71-56, Bears on a 3 Game Losing-Streak.

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California Golden Bear forward Lee Dort #34, throws down a dunk to cut the lead to 6 points, 25-19, with 5 minutes remaining in the 1st half on January 14th, 2026, in Haas Pavilion. (Photo Credits by Lezleigh Maldonado – Sports Radio Services)

By Michael Villanueva

BERKELEY – The California Golden Bears fell to No. 6 Duke Blue Devils, 71–56, on Wednesday night at Haas Pavilion, one of Cal Berkeley’s first sell out games, marking the first ACC matchup between the two programs this season.

Both teams entered the contest trending in opposite directions in conference play, with Duke sitting in first place in the ACC and Cal ranked 13th, looking to bounce back after losing two straight road games against Virginia and Virginia Tech. The Golden Bears also hoped to turn the tide in the all-time series, having dropped their last three meetings with Duke and not beaten the Blue Devils since an 82–77 victory on March 20, 1993, in Rosemont, Illinois. Cal was also chasing a rare milestone, as the Bears’ last win over an AP Top-10 opponent came on Feb. 1, 2014, when they upset No. 1 Arizona at Haas Pavilion.

California opened the game with its starting five of guards Dai Dai Ames, Justin Pippen, forwards John Camden, Chris Bell, and Lee Dort, with Ames leading the Bears at 17.8 points per game. Duke countered with guards Caleb Foster, Isaiah Evans, Dame Sarr, forwards Cameron Boozer, and Patrick Ngongba II, led by Cameron Boozer’s 22.9 points per game coming into the night.

Chris Bell got the game started by drilling a three-pointer off a Duke turnover, giving Cal early energy and getting the Haas Pavilion crowd involved. Cal came out firing, taking 11 shots in the first five minutes, but the Bears struggled to convert, making just three for 27 percent shooting. Duke also had trouble settling in early, committing four turnovers while shooting 2-of-5 (40 percent) during that stretch. Cal capitalized on those mistakes, scoring five points off Duke turnovers to stay in the early running.

With 8:00 left in the first half, Caleb Foster knocked down a three-pointer to give Duke its first lead at 17–15. The Blue Devils then got a lift from Patrick Ngongba II, who finished the night with six points on 3-of-5 shooting and grabbed six rebounds, helping stabilize Duke’s offense.

Cal responded with a 12–2 run over three minutes to retake control at 27–21, sparked by Lee Dort’s back-to-back alley-oop dunks that energized the crowd. But Duke closed the half on a 13–0 run, taking advantage of a three-minute scoring drought by the Bears and heading into the locker room with a 37–30 lead.

The Golden Bears opened the second half with a 7–0 scoring run, cutting the deficit to 41–39 thanks to Justin Pippen drawing fouls and converting three of four free throws and Dai Dai Ames knocking down key baskets. However, Cal struggled to sustain offense, going another three minutes without a field goal, while Duke went 5-of-5 from the field to extend its lead to 60–48 with seven minutes remaining.

Down the stretch, Duke took control, going 8-of-9 from the field in the final six minutes as Cal continued to struggle with shooting and accumulated a high foul count. Lee Dort led the way for Cal with 14 points and nine rebounds, while John Camden added 11 points, including 3-of-5 from three-point range, and grabbed two rebounds. Ultimately, three bears were able to finish with double-digits: Lee Dort , Justin Pippen, and John Camden

With two minutes remaining, Duke held a 19-point advantage, showcasing their ability to shoot, play, and handle the hostile “Haas of Pain”. The Blue Devils went on to defeat Cal 71–56. Ultimately, Cal digged their own defeat as the team saw multiple scoring droughts that just weren’t helping and making the Bears not golden at home.

The Golden Bears will look to bounce back at home on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 1 p.m., against No. 14/15 North Carolina Tar Heels (14-3, 2-2 ACC).

1st Game of the 2026, 1st Dub of the 2026. Golden Bears beat the Fighting Irish, 72-71

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California Golden Bear forward Chris Bell #22 shoots a contested mid-range shot over Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Braeden Shrewsberry #11 on Friday night at the Haas Pavilion. (Photo Credit to Michael Villanueva)

By Michael Villanueva

BERKELEY – On Friday night, January 2, 2026, the California Golden Bears defeated the Notre Dame Fighting Irish 72-71 at Haas Pavilion in their final exciting 8-game homestand. Cal’s victory was their first in the ACC and second of the season.

Cal was coming off its first loss at Haas Pavilion, 90-70 to No. 16/13 Louisville on December 30 in both teams’ Atlantic Coast Conference openers. The Cardinals’ strong shooting proved to be the difference, with five players scoring in double figures. Cal had four players in double figures, led by Chris Bell’s 20-point performance.

Cal’s second ACC home game of the 2025-26 season took place Thursday night, capping off an eight-game homestand. The Bears’ first test of the new year came against a 10-4 Notre Dame.

The visiting Fighting Irish started the game with Jalen Haralson, Logan Imes, Braeden Shrewsberry, Carson Towt, and Garrett Sundra. The five set the tone early on, led by Haralson, who started the game on pace. He started the game 4-for-4 from the floor, including two corner three-pointers, which provided Notre Dame with a quick offensive push.

Cal’s starting lineup included John Camden, Dai Dai Ames, Lee Dort, Justin Pippen, and Chris Bell. Camden, who had already made 40 three-pointers for the Bears this season and had made at least one in every game, got off to a slow start, going 0-for-3 on field goals and three-pointers.

The first half was all Notre Dame, with the Fighting Irish coming out of Cal’s house strong, fast, and disciplined. They hit 58% from the field and 57% from three-point range in the first ten minutes, putting early stress on the Golden Bears. Cal struggled to find a rhythm, connecting on only 23% of their total shots and 13% from deep.

The game was physical on both sides, as both teams were eager to begin the year with a dub. The Golden Bears attempted nine free throws in the first half and made six, while Notre Dame was only 2-of-8 at the line. Despite the poor shooting and early setbacks, Cal was determined to get back on track. The Bears trailed 31-27 at halftime, keeping the game within reach for the second half.

The Bears played much better in the second half, with an intensity of awareness and focus that allowed them to play smarter, more precise basketball. Cal made four of their first five shots in the first six minutes, taking advantage on a three-minute scoring drought by Notre Dame. Justin Pippen was the driving force in raising his point count from six to fourteen while boosting the Bears’ offense.

Overall, Cal’s shooting improved, especially from deep. With seven minutes remaining, the Bears led by seven points, their largest lead of the night. However, the Fighting Irish remained fighting, shooting reliably and making tough shots when needed. Notre Dame had cut its lead to one with four minutes left in the game.

The Bears then went cold, making only one of ten field goals the rest of the way, giving the Irish the lead again. With two minutes remaining, Notre Dame’s Cole Serta made a critical three-pointer, giving the Irish the lead. Then, with only nine seconds remaining and the Bears down 71-68, Dai Dai Ames scored a three-pointer and was fouled, completing a four-point play that gave Cal a 72-71 lead with 2.6 seconds left. The Golden Bears won the game by holding on defensively in the final seconds.

Ames led Cal with 23 points on 9-of-16 shooting, 1 rebound, and 3 assists, while Chris Bell had 15 points and 5 rebounds. The win gave the Bears their first ACC conference victory and improved their overall record to 13-2 into the new year.

Cal will return to play on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, when they face the Virginia Cavaliers at John Paul Jones Arena in Charlottesville, VA, tipping off at 6 p.m., ready for another tough conference game.