Category: NCAA

Utah Utes can’t handle the ‘Haas of Pain’ as Golden Bears win, 79-72

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California Golden Bear #34 Lee Dort slams down an alley-oop from his teammate #2 John Camden. (Photo by Michael Villanueva Sports Radio Service)

By Michael Villanueva

BERKELEY – Happy December from Berkeley, where the Golden Bears enter the final month of 2025 on the heels of a strong 6-1 start and a perfect 5-0 record at Haas Pavilion. The Golden Bears have transformed their home court into a legitimate advantage as they enter a pivotal eight-game home stretch, averaging 84.4 points per game and posting a +14.8 scoring margin.

That run started tonight against Utah (6-2), a Big 12 opponent who adds importance to the matchup. Cal is 0-1 this season against Big 12 teams, with its only encounter coming on November 13 at Bramlage Coliseum, a hard-fought 99-96 loss to Kansas State. Tuesday night, the Golden Bears get a second chance to make a statement against the Big 12 conference.

Utah comes into Berkeley on a high level, having won a close 75-74 game over Ole Miss behind Don McHenry’s 27 points. The Utes have a balanced, tough squad that ranks ninth in the Big 12 for offensive rebounds (9.6 per game), topped by James Okonkwo’s 4.0. They also have one of the conference’s leading scoring duos, Terrence Brown (21.8 PPG, 3.4 APG) and McHenry (17.9 PPG).

Cal entered the game with confidence after defeating No. 18 UCLA 80-72 on November 25 at Chase Center, the program’s first win over a ranked opponent since 2020. Offensively, the Golden Bears continue to rely on the efficient performance of Dai Dai Ames (18.1 PPG, 2.7 threes per game at 52.8%) and Chris Bell (16.6 PPG, 50.0% shooting).

The Golden Bears’ starting lineup tonight included Justin Pippen, Dai Dai Ames, John Camden, Chris Bell, and Lee Dort, who combine scoring, experience, and defensive versatility. Utah responded with Josh Hayes, Keanu Dawes, Terrence Brown, Don McHenry, and Seydou Traore, a group meant for athleticism, rebounding, and perimeter shooting.

The game got off to a quick start, with both sides swapping early baskets. Utah scored first on the first possession, with Terrance Brown instantly establishing himself by scoring seven points on 3-of-5 shooting. Cal’s Dai Dai Ames matched the pace right away, making all three of his first field-goal attempts and scoring seven points in the first few minutes.

Despite Utah’s early efficiency, Cal kept pace thanks to Ames, who remained perfect from the field and aggressive in his drives. By the midpoint of the first half, he had already tallied 9 points on 4-of-4 shooting.

Cal’s balanced attack and sharp shooting in the final minutes of the half propelled them ahead to a 42–34 lead at halftime. The Bears finished the first 20 minutes with 6-of-12 shooting from three and 14-of-32 overall, displaying strong teamwork with 21 rebounds and nine assists. Ames continued his dominant performance, ending the half with 11 points on 5-of-7 shooting in just 15 minutes, keeping Cal in control against a talented Utah squad. With help from John Camden, who is shooting perfect beyond the arc at 3 of 3 with 9 points and 1 assist.

The second half followed the same fast-paced, physical pattern, with both teams hitting the paint and battling for every possession. Within the first ten minutes of the half, the Golden Bears had stretched their lead to 62-55, thanks to a combination of aggressive drives and excellent free-throw shooting. Both teams were repeatedly sent to the free-throw line, but Cal took advantage of their chances, going 15-of-16 for a stunning 93% conversion rate.

Cal’s scoring was led by the dynamic combo of Justin Pippen and Dai Dai Ames, who each had 17 points by this time. Pippen shot 5-of-9 from the field, including 3-of-5 from three, while Ames went 8-of-13 overall despite missing his only three-point effort. Keanu Dawes and Seydou Traore, who combined scoring and playmaking, kept Utah in play. Dawes was on the verge of a double-double, with 10 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists, while Traore had 12 points, 3 rebounds, and two assists.

Also, Cal maintained its domination on the glass, grabbing 30 rebounds to Utah’s 23, securing second-chance opportunities, and controlling the tempo inside the paint.

Cal’s shooting continued to click in the final minutes of the game, as the team approached 50% from the floor and maintained control of the game. Justin Pippen and Dai Dai Ames repeatedly attacked Utah’s defence, keeping the Utes’ lead barely out of reach. Utah, however, refused to go quietly. With three minutes remaining, Seydou Traore and Keanu Dawes scored rapid backdoor baskets to reduce the Bears’ lead to two points.

Cal answered at the line, with Chris Bell making 1-of-2 free throws to extend the advantage to 73-70 with a minute and a half left. At the 50-second mark, Ames was fouled on a drive and casually went 2-for-2 from the line, bringing the score to 75-70. From there, the Golden Bears’ defence took control. Utah failed to get a shot, resulting in a shot clock violation, and they missed their final four field-goal attempts. Cal’s defensive efforts, along with their efficient shooting, secured the victory.

Dai Dai Ames led all scorers with 25 points on 9-of-14 shooting, keeping up his strong season performance. Justin Pippen scored 23 points, including 3-of-7 from beyond the arc, to help secure the victory. Inside, Lee Dort anchored the paint, grabbing 11 rebounds and scoring eight points. While five of Utah’s players scored in double digits, and their bench added 19 points, Cal’s mix of shooting, defensive pressure, and rebounding proved crucial.

The Golden Bears finished the game shooting 45.5% from the field, including 7-of-18 from three, proving that their balanced scoring and lockdown defence can carry them through difficult games. The 79-72 victory over Utah not only represented a great home opener for the December stretch, but it also showed Cal’s ability to produce under pressure, laying the groundwork for the future challenges in their eight-game homestand.

Looking ahead, the Golden Bears will face the Pacific Tigers (6-2) on Saturday, December 6, at 2 p.m., as part of their eight-game homestand. The game will be broadcast on ACC Extra, offering fans another opportunity to see Cal continue their December home stand and build on tonight’s hard-fought 79-72 victory against Uta

Cal Bears podcast Michael Villanueva: Scotty would be proud Justin Pippin leads Cal in scoring with 23

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Cal Bears guard Justin Pippin (10) goes for two points against the Utah Utes at Haas Pavilion in Berkeley on Tue Dec 2, 2025 (Cal Bears X photo)

Cal Bears podcast Michael Villanueva:

#1 For the Cal Bears (7-1) Justin Pippin he led with 23 points in a nip and tuck game between the Utah Utes (6-3) and Bears at Haas Pavilion in Berkeley.

#2 Cal held a five point lead with just 20 seconds left towards the end of the game getting some defense one a Utah ball that was deflected that avoided cutting Cal’s lead.

#3 Cal guard Dai Dai Ames finished second in scoring with 25 points his contribution was critical in keeping the Utes an arms distance as Utah tried to close the gap numerous times during the contest.

#4 The Bears avoided foul trouble in this one and didn’t have to suffer the consequences of the Utes getting to foul line to cut the lead even closer. The Bears win it by seven points 79-72.

#5 Next up the Pacific Tigers of Stockton head to Haas Pavilion in Berkeley this Sat Dec 13th to tip off against Cal. The Tigers bring a 6-2 winning record to Cal and are on a three game win streak. How do you see this match up?

Michael Villanueva is a Cal Bears beat reporter at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Stanford Cardinal podcast Daniel Dullum: Stanford ends season getting landslided by Notre Dame 49-20 in Coach Reich’s last game

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Stanford Cardinal play by play announcer Troy Clardy (left) interviews Stanford head coach Frank Reich (right) at the conclusion of their game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Stanford Stadium on Sat Nov 29, 2025. This was the last game of the 2025 for Reich and the Cardinal. (Stanford Cardinal photo)

Stanford Cardinal podcast Daniel Dullum:

#1 The Stanford Cardinal (4-8) concluded their regular season with a 49-20 loss on Saturday to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish (10-2).

#2 The Cardinal earlier in the game had trailed as much as 42-6 but were able to score two touchdowns in the fourth quarter.

#3 Stanford’s offense just couldn’t any traction until the fourth quarter. For the Cardinal quarterback Elijah Brown threw 18-37 for 204 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.

#4 For Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr had all day to throw the football going 17-27, 205 yards, and two touchdowns for their ninth win of the season.

#5 This was the last game for Stanford head coach Frank Reich who took the job for this season only as a interim coach and the University will be looking for a new coach for 2026.

Join Daniel Dullum for Stanford Cardinal podcasts each Sunday night at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Jose State Falters Late to UC Irvine 72-63

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San Jose State University Spartans guard Ben Roseborough (11) drives the lane for a layup against the UC Irvine Anteaters at Provident Credit Union Event Center in San Jose on Sun Nov 30, 2025 (SJSU Spartans photo)

By Ryan Hannagan

SAN JOSE, Calif. — UC Irvine held off San Jose State 72-63 on Saturday afternoon at Provident Credit Union Event Center, pulling away midway through the second half after a tight, back and forth matchup for most of the game.

The meeting marked the first of a four-game homestand for the Spartans (3-5), who entered the day coming off a win over Loyola Chicago. The Anteaters (5-4) arrived with slight favorability at a 53% win probability, per ESPN — and validated it behind strong transition play and a dominant performance from guard Derin Saran.

San Jose State remained without key contributor Javaughn Hannah, but early on, the game lived up to expectations of being closely contested. Sadraque Nganga opened the scoring with a free throw, but the Spartans didn’t make their first field goal until nearly three minutes in, when Jermaine Washington slammed home a fast break dunk. The Spartans struggles from the field continued the entirety of the game.

Despite shooting just 28% from the field in the first half, the Spartans kept the deficit manageable. UC Irvine built leads of six and later nine, but San Jose State repeatedly clawed back, including a tip in at the buzzer to trim the halftime score to 36-34. Nganga led SJSU with 10 points at the break, while Saran paced UCI with 12.

Washington tied the game at 36 to open the second half, but once again the Anteaters responded with a run. A three from Adrian Myers in his return off the bench briefly halted the momentum, yet UC Irvine continued to generate separation.

The Spartans’ offensive struggles worsened as the half progressed. UC Irvine’s lead swelled to 11 with just over 10 minutes remaining, capitalizing on SJSU turnovers, defensive lapses and transition miscues. San Jose State made one final push, trimming the deficit to five after a sequence of scores from Yaphet Moundi and Ben Roseborough, but Saran responded with a three pointer and a layup on consecutive possessions to restore a double digit lead.

A late three from UCI’s Justin Dixon extended the margin to 69-58 with 4:24 left, effectively sealing the game. The Anteaters held control from there.

“The physicality,” Roseborough told Sports Radio Service when asked about the cause of second half collapse. “They hit first, you got to hit first. Loose balls, everything like that, you got to get to it. They played way harder than us tonight.”

Head coach Tim Miles echoed that assessment.

“Credit Irvine — they ran the floor well. They did all the things that winning teams do. … Ultimately, I didn’t think we were great in transition defense and I didn’t think we converted well on the offensive side, especially in the interior.”

San Jose State shot just 31% from the field (22 of 70) compared with UC Irvine’s 49% (30 of 61). Despite winning the rebounding battle 43-41 — including 19 offensive boards — the Spartans were outscored 50-26 in the paint and 24-6 on fast breaks.

Roseborough led SJSU with 12 points. Saran finished with a game-high 24 for the Anteaters.

The loss marks San Jose State’s first home setback of the season. The Spartans continue their homestand later this week as they look to regroup and find their footing before conference play.

Bears Win And Celebrate: 38-35 Upset Win Over SMU Provides Respite From Somber Week

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By Morris Phillips

BERKELEY, CA–Lose the Big Game in embarrassing fashion, fire the coach.

For the Cal Bears, the beginning of the week wasn’t the best, and their future remains cloudy.

But on a cool Saturday evening, hundreds roared on to the turf at Memorial Stadium to celebrate an unlikely win that materialized in a dramatic finish. That’s progress the entire university desperately needed.

“It’s a tremendous credit to these kids for staying together and doing it for the right reasons,” interim coach Nick Rolovich said after Cal’s 38-35 win over visiting SMU. “The staff, I mean, that’s hard on the staff, too, when you go through this.

“And for them to stay together and understand, we can go out and play this game for the seniors, and to win it like that in the fourth quarter, that’s something that none of us will forget. We’re very appreciative of the opportunity. Just an awesome, awesome deal for Cal football.”

Without the disposed Justin Wilcox, and Rolovich in his place, the Bears produced a spirited effort that gave them 24-7 and 31-14 leads as they took advantage of a Mustangs’ offense that uncharacteristically sputtered.

But when SMU mounted a response–three unanswered fourth quarter touchdowns–the Bears came up with a game-winnibg drive culminating with Kendrick Raphael’s two-yard run with 43 seconds remaining. A brief review confirmed that like Raphael’s body, the football also crossed the goal line.

SMU’s final push of six plays for 40 yards yielded a 52-yard, potential game-tying field goal attempt for Sam Keltner put it sailed right.

Stanford Cardinal podcast Michael Roberson: Stanford close out the regular season with Notre Dame Saturday

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Stanford Cardinal players celebrate their win over the Cal Bears at the Big Game at Stanford University on Sat Nov 22, 2025 (Stanford Cardinal photo)

Stanford Cardinal podcast Michael Roberson:

#1 Can Micah Ford and the Stanford running game crack the Notre Dame defense and generate a solid ground attack?

#2 Will quarterback Elijah Brown be able to move the ball through the air effectively and keep pace with Notre Dame’s offense?

#3 How important will it be for CJ Williams to step up in the receiving game if Stanford wants to challenge Notre Dame’s defense?

#4 Can Stanford’s defense force turnovers or big defensive plays to disrupt the rhythm of Notre Dame’s potent rushing attack? (Given Notre Dame’s run-heavy threat.)

#5 Is this game a chance for the younger/starter-level players on Stanford (like Ford, Brown, Williams) to prove their mettle against a top-tier opponent and build momentum for future seasons?

Michael Roberson does the Stanford Cardinal podcasts Thursdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Cal Bears podcast Morris Phillips: After big loss in Big Game some tough questions for Cal; Bears face off with SMU Saturday

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Cal Bears quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele (3) is helped up after getting sacked by the Stanford Cardinal defense after getting sacked in the fourth quarter at Stanford Stadium on Sat Nov 23, 2025 (photo by Data Skrive)

Cal Bears podcast Morris Phillips:

#1 Does a nine season record of 48–55 and a failure to ever post a winning conference record under former head coach Justin Wilcox justify a coaching change?

#2 Did the lopsided 31–10 loss to rival Stanford Cardinal — marked by 13 penalties for 123 yards and two fumble-return touchdowns — act as a final straw that exposed deeper issues under Wilcox’s leadership?

#3 Given that the program under Wilcox never broke through to more than eight wins in a season (last in 2019), was there a sense that Cal had plateaued and needed new leadership to compete at a higher level?

#4 With the move to the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), did the program’s leadership believe Wilcox lacked the recruiting, scheme or development capabilities needed to succeed in a more competitive environment?

#5 After sustained competitiveness but not contention — and with recent seasons showing lingering offensive struggles — was the decision to fire Wilcox motivated by a desire to reset the program’s identity and expectations under fresh leadership?

Morris Phillips covered Cal Bears football each Thursday during the 2025 season for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Cal’s Balanced Effort Keys Upset Of No. 18 UCLA, 80-72

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By Morris Phillips

SAN FRANCISCO–Trailing 8-0 and scoreless for nearly four minutes to start, the Cal Bears were in desperate need for some continuity against No. 18 UCLA on Tuesday night for the Empire Classic championship game at the Chase Center.

Unfortunately, continuity was hard to find for both teams, each looking for a big win but flailing against a familiar opponent.

Cal did what it could, piecing together some competent individual play that fit almost seamlessly and put the Bruins on their heels.

Chris Bell seized momentum first with a series of made threes on his way to a game-best 22 points. That burst gave Cal a 20-12 lead that minutes earlier seemed unlikely.

Bench players Rytis Petraitis, TT Carr and DeJuan Campbell, in his season debut, picked it up from Bell, and helped Cal survive UCLA’s best stretch of the evening leading to halftime. The trio combined for 14 points, almost all off aggressive play to the basket, and that helped keep Cal in reach, down 41-36 at the break.

Bell and leading scorer Dai Dai Ames controlled the second half with Ames scoring all of his 14 points as Cal pulled away for an 80-72 win that ended a streak of 12 Cal losses in 13 games to their former Pac-12 rival.

Afterwards, Cal’s announcers lauded reserve post Milos Ilic, Bell highlighted Justin Pippen (13 points), and Coach Mark Madsen pointed to Campbell. A love fest prompted by the first big win of the season?

You bet.

“Every single player stepped up,” Madsen said.

“We have a bunch of guys that make us dynamic on offense,” said Bell, who scored at least 21 points for the third time in his first seven games as a Bear after transferring from Syracuse.

The Bruins fell to 5-2 with a four-point loss to No. 2 Arizona as their only other blemish. But something greater seems amiss in Westwood as coach Mick Cronin again expressed his frustration with his team, which he feels isn’t competitive enough or defensive-oriented as he would prefer.

“Our team attitude was terrible. It’s been a problem for a month,” Cronin said. “It affects performance. You get in a ring against somebody that wants to fight, you give them confidence early, you’re in for a fight aside from the fact that we can’t make a free throw.”

The Bruins missed 10 of their 23 free throw attempts, shot just 41 percent from the floor, and allowed Cal 20 more points than their average of 60 allowed coming in.

Donovan Dent, thought to be UCLA’s brilliant pickup in the transfer portal from New Mexico, struggled again shooting 1 for 7 and committing seven turnovers. Cronin, already verbal regarding his teams’ performance, may have added a little extra for Dent, who in today’s game is also a highly-compensated “amateur” acquisition.

“Until we get some leadership on our team at the guard position, it would help, and not panic with the ball,” said Cronin, thinly veiled. “Things don’t go well, we try to go one on five, get our shot blocked, get our fourth foul, we go one on five and get six, seven turnovers.”

The Bears have a few days of Thanksgiving and recuperation before hosting Utah on Tuesday.

Stanford Cardinal podcast Daniel Dullum: Stanford pulls away from Cal in 2nd quarter in 31-10 win; Cal fires coach Justin Wilcox

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Stanford Cardinal quarterback Elijah Brown (2) drops back on the Cal Bears in the Big Game at Stanford Stadium in Palo Alto on Sat Nov 22, 2025 (Stanford Cardinal photo)

Stanford Cardinal podcast Daniel Dullum:

#1 After nine years as Cal Bears head coach Justin Wilcox was fired after the loss to the Stanford Cardinal on Saturday. Cal had a 10-7 lead on Stanford but couldn’t hold the lead and were shutout by the Cardinal in the second half.

#1 The Cal Bears were in the lead early in the Big Game against the Stanford Cardinal 10-7 but that was all she wrote for Cal as the Cardinal opened up on offense scoring two touchdowns in the second and fourth quarters to put this one away.

#2 The Cardinal got offensive help in the second quarter eclipsing the Bears at 1:05 for a 14-10 lead when Stanford running back Kendrick Raphael ran for 11 yards but fumbled only to be recovered by Darrius Davis who returned it for a touchdown.

#3 Stanford defense didn’t allow Cal to score for the rest of the game shutting out Cal in the third and fourth quarters.

#4 Stanford completed all their scoring in the fourth quarter with two touchdowns a four yard carry by running back Micah Ford for four yards to take a 24-10 lead at 14:56. At 10:01 Stanford quarterback Elijah Brown threw a 34 yard touchdown pass to CJ Williams for a 31-10 final.

#5 The win was Stanford’s home win of the season. The Cardinal improve their record to 3-7 and all three of their wins came from winning at Stanford Stadium this season.

Stanford Cardinal podcast with Daniel Dullum is heard Sundays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

128th Big Game/Stanford Cardinal game wrap: Cardinal snatch axe from paws of Golden Bears 31-10, on a cool Saturday Evening on the Farm

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Stanford Cardinal players left to right defensive end Zach Buckley (98), offensive lineman Simone Pale (55), and defensive lineman Zach Rowell (97) join in the celebration of bringing the axe back to Stanford University after defeating the Cal Bears at Stanford Stadium on Sat Nov 22, 2025 (Stanford Cardinal photo)

By Michael Roberson

STANFORD, Calif. — A Big Game crowd of 50.039 experienced cross-Bay, conference (ACC) battle, with the Stanford Cardinal (4-7, 3-5 ACC) obtaining the axe from the California Golden Bears (6-5, 3-4 ACC) 31-10 inside Stanford Stadium.

Although Cal opened the game with possession of the ball, neither team scored on their opening drives. A little more than 10 minutes into the first quarter, the Golden Bears got onto the scoreboard first. Redshirt-Junior kicker Chase Meyer booted a 40-yard field goal, to put the visitors up by three, 3-0.

The first 15 minutes of gameplay ended with that same score, with either team doing much on offense, The crowd of both schools wanted and anticipated more action in the second quarter.

Quarter number two did bring more action to the masses. However, the Cardinal faithful did not see an offensive explosion, but a stellar defensive force.

A few ticks over two minutes into the second stanza, Stanford redshirt-junior safety Jay Green scooped up a Cal fumble for a49-yard touchdown. The Cardinal took a four points lead, 7-3. More than eight minutes later, Cal put up points offensively. Freshman quarterback Jason-Keawe Sagapolutele scored from 7 yards out on a keeper. The Bears regained the lead by three, 10-7..

The Cardinal marched down the field, getting inside the “Red Zone” by the two-minute timeout. After several attempts for a touchdown, they settled for a field goal attempt, with a little over a minute before recess. The kick was blocked by senior safety Dru Polidore Jr. All momentum switched to California, and Stanford’s offense and special teams could not score.

The Bears had possession of the ball in their own Bear territory, with less than a minute until halftime, and had the worst case scenario happen to the team. They coughed up the ball again, with Cardinal sophomore safety Darrius Davis grasping the gift and carrying it to paydirt for a 17 yard score. Stanford went back up by four, 14-10.

When the mid-game whistle blew, that last score stood at intermission., 14-10 Stanford.

The Cardinal had possession of the ball to start the second half, but more of the same on offense persisted. They could not get into the end zone, but did get into field goal range. Just over four minutes into the half, senior Emmett Kenney missed a 35-yard attempt, to the dismay of the home fans.

About eight minutes later he had another opportunity. This time from 36 yards from the goalposts. Kenney was successful on that particular attempt. The cardinal extended their advantage to seven, 17-10.

The Golden Bears managed to lose possession of the ball immediately upon receiving it after the Cardinal score. Stanford parlayed that golden opportunity to another score, over two quarters. They had the ball near the goal line as the third quarter ended, and continued at the beginning of the fourth.

Four seconds into the final quarter, sophomore running back Micah Ford scampered in for a 4-yard TD. The Cardinal went up by 14 points, 24-10. They were not finished.

Less than two minutes of elapsed time, the Cardinal reached the end zone again. This score was a 34 yard bomb from Elijah Brown to CJ Williams for SIX. with the subsequent extra point, the Cardinal tied their high score output of 31 points. They also led by 21 points. 31-10.

Despite Cal’s efforts to score again in the waning moments, the score remained the same after 60 minutes of regulation play, 31-10 for the Tree.

The Cardinal will next be in action back here on the Farm next Saturday, November 29, hosting the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at 7:30 PM PT on ESPN. Cal heads back across the Bay to host SMU on the same date at TBD.