Pacific Tigers – Sports Radio Service

Pacific Tigers Justin Rochelin (1) drives to the paint for a layup, but is heavily contested on defense by Golden Bears Chris Bell (22) (Photo by Michael Villanueva Sports Radio Service)

By Michael Villanueva

BERKELEY -Happy first Saturday of December in the Berkeley Hills, where the Cal Bears defeated the Pacific Tigers 67-61 in a matinee where they had faced off at 2 p.m Saturday afternoon. In a game featuring two teams on four-game winning streaks.

Pacific enters the weekend on a roll, having won four straight games, including a solid 80-65 road win over the Air Force Falcons on December 3. Elias Ralph had dropped 31 points in Pacific’s victory. The Tigers have held their own on the road, going 2-2 and averaging 75.0 points per game while outscoring opponents by 10.0 points.

On the other side, the Golden Bears have been nearly untouchable at Haas Pavilion, boasting a perfect 6–0 record on their home floor. Cal is also fresh off a high win, taking down the University of Utah 79–72 on December 2nd to extend its win streak to four. Dai Dai Ames had dropped 25 points on 9-of-14 shooting on the floor. Head coach Mark Madsen enters this matchup 0–1 against Pacific, with his first-ever loss as Cal’s head coach coming against the Tigers two years ago — a result he and the Golden Bears will look to avenge this afternoon.

These teams last met on November 10th, 2023, when Pacific defeated Cal in Berkeley 87-79. Despite the loss, the Golden Bears have a 27-3 series lead as they prepare to defend their home floor once again. The Bears are on game #2 out of their 8 game homestand that will end on January 2nd, 2026.

The Pacific Tigers’ starting lineup included a good blend of size and guard play. In the frontcourt, Elias Ralph and Isaac Jack provide length, rebounding activity, and interior presence. Justin Rochelin, Kajus Kublickas, and TJ Wainwright make up the Tigers’ backcourt trio, providing the team with ball-handling, perimeter scoring, and defensive versatility to start the afternoon.

The Golden Bears’ starting lineup has a good combination of guard play and frontcourt size. In the backcourt, Dai Dai Ames and Justin Pippen play guard, providing Cal with a dangerous scoring and playmaking pair. Lee Dort, John Camden, and DeJuan Campbell complete the starting lineup, offering rebounding, interior strength, and midrange shooting. Dort is Cal’s leading rebounder, averaging 6.5 rebounds per game, while Pippen leads the team in assists with 4.6. This was also DeJuan Campbell’s first start of the season.

From tip-off to the first five minutes, the Golden Bears struck first. Cal got on the board after Pacific’s Justin Rochelin was called for a personal foul on Dai Dai Ames, who went 1-of-2 from the line for the afternoon’s opening points. The Bears quickly established an aggressive tone by applying high-energy, full-court pressure that caught the Tigers off guard. Pacific’s first offensive possession resulted in a turnover, and with Cal’s defense swarming and controlling the pace early on, the Tigers were forced to call a quick timeout just four minutes into the game.

The Tigers struggled to find their flow after the timeout, going on a four-minute scoring drought and committing numerous turnovers, including shot-clock violations. Pacific’s only source of offence was Isaac Jack, who scored all six of the Tigers’ points in the first eight minutes of the game with quick, decisive finishes in the lane. Aside from Jack’s production, Pacific struggled to find a rhythm, going 4-of-17 from the field in the first 10 minutes (24%).

Meanwhile, the Golden Bears continued to put pressure on both ends. Cal’s offense was on fire, shooting an efficient 9-of-13 (69%) from the field and 4-of-6 from beyond the arc (67%) as they gained early momentum and controlled the game’s pace.

The Tigers slowly settled into an offensive rhythm, thanks to Isaac Jack’s ability to create easy looks in the paint. Pacific began using him as a focal point at the top of the key, allowing the rest of the offence to either cut to the hoop or spread out on the perimeter. The change provided much-needed momentum, as the Tigers connected on three consecutive offensive opportunities, cutting the lead to ten points.

Cal, on the other hand, remained in control for the majority of the half thanks to its strong shooting and efficient passing. John Camden, Justin Pippen, Chris Bell, and Lee Dort all scored more than five points early, providing the Bears a variety of scoring options and stretching Pacific’s defence. Despite their great start, the Golden Bears experienced a three-minute scoring drought late in the half.

At halftime, Cal led 36-27. Despite Pacific’s 14-rebound advantage, which was mostly driven by Jack’s inside presence, the Tigers’ persistent shooting struggles prevented them from narrowing the distance. Pacific entered the half shooting only 33% from the floor, but the Golden Bears maintained their lead by impacting the game defensively and shooting over 45% in all categories.

The Golden Bears scored first again in the second half, this time with Justin Pippen hitting a free throw after drawing a personal foul on Kajus Kublickas, going 1-for-1 from the line. Cal remained true to its defensive identity, sticking with tight man-to-man coverage while adding a 3-2 pressure zone that extended high and interrupted Pacific’s early drives.

Despite their defensive persistence, the Bears struggled offensively, going 0-for-5 within the first five minutes. The Tigers took the opportunity and began playing with significantly more composure than they had in the first half. Pacific moved the ball with patience, attacked from better angles, and discovered cleaner looks.

The momentum changed quickly. The Tigers put together an 8-0 field goal run, cutting Cal’s lead to five points. TJ Wainwright started the charge with back-to-back three-pointers, giving energy and trust in Pacific’s bench. Meanwhile, Isaac Jack continued his strong effort inside, recording a double-double with 10 minutes left in the game.

Pacific refused not give up in the dying minutes, battling till the final whistle. The Tigers put together a late run, scoring six straight points to cut the lead to three, putting the Golden Bears on high alert. But when they needed it the most, Cal’s defence tightened. Pacific went scoreless on its final three offensive opportunities, and Lee Dort delivered the dagger – a game-winning block on Tigers guard Jaden Clayton that ended Pacific’s final effort to win the game.

The Golden Bears hung on for a 67-61 victory. Justin Pippen led all Cal scorers with 16 points on 4-of-8 shooting, while Dai Dai Ames matched his scoring ability with 15 points on 4-of-8 from the field to anchor the backcourt.

The Tigers were led by Isaac Jack, who had 19 points and 16 rebounds, controlling the post on both ends and keeping Pacific in reach all afternoon. TJ Wainwright also reached double figures, scoring 13 points on 4-of-9 shooting, including a pair of crucial three-pointers that sparked the Tigers’ second-half surge.

The Pacific Tigers are now 7-3 and will return home to Stockton, California, on Thursday, November 13th, to meet the Simpson University Red Hawks. The Tigers will look to build on their competitive performance today and continue their quest for consistency on both sides of the court in front of their home crowd.

The Golden Bears remain undefeated at home, going 7-0 at Haas Pavilion and 8-1 overall this season. Cal will return home to face the Dominican Penguins on Tuesday, December 9th, at 7:00 p.m., hoping to extend their unbeaten record in Berkeley and build on their excellent start to the season.

Pacific Tiger #14 Isaac Jacks slams a putback from his teammate #6 Jayden Clayton with 17 minutes and 5 seconds left in the second half here at Alex g. Spanos Center. (Photo credit to Sports Radio Services Michael Villanueva)

By Michael Villanueva

STOCKTON, Calif. – The Pacific Tigers returned to the Alex G. Spanos Center for a non-conference matchup against Long Beach State. Tipoff was at 7 p.m. in Stockton – my hometown – making this a special night as I covered my first home sporting event.

One team looked to extend its early-season momentum, while the other opposing team just looked to get its first win under the bright lights in San Joaquin County. The Tigers relied on Elias Ralph after scoring 21 points in Pacific’s 78-77 loss to the Nevada Wolf Pack.

The starting lineup for the Pacific Tigers was: Justin Rochelin, Elias Ralph, Jaden Clayton, TJ Wainwright, and Isaac Jack. Leading the way in points per game is their senior forward, Elias Ralph, with 20.5, shooting 52% from the field.

Long Beach State started with: Isaiah Lewis, Leopold Levillain, Petar Majstorovic, Cole Farrel, and Gavin Sykes. Long Beach is still looking for its first win after being on the road for its first two games. With their most recent loss to Fresno State, 82-62.

The game began with intensity inside the Alex G. Spanos Center, with Pacific scoring first on a smooth mid-range jumper from Justin Rochelin to put the Tigers on the board. Long Beach State responded soon with a layup from Petar Majstorovic, setting an early back-and-forth pace.

The Beach made its presence known defensively, raising the intensity with upcourt man-to-man pressure and consistently pressuring Pacific’s guards on each inbound. Long Beach’s defensive intensity put the Tigers into challenging looks and contested shots, making it difficult for them to create a regular rhythm on offense.

Long Beach State led 15-11 with ten minutes left in the half, thanks in large part to Gavin Sykes, who scored 11 of the team’s 15 points in the first half. Sykes was also coming off the bench for Long Beach. Both teams shot less than 35% from the field and less than 16% from three-point range, but the few shots that fell early weighed heavily in what was shaping up to be a low-scoring, defensive first half.

Pacific’s shooting struggles continued throughout the first half. The Tigers went without a three-pointer until the last minute, shooting only 26.3% from the floor and 10% from beyond the arc while committing 11 turnovers against the Beach’s swarming defense. Long Beach’s length and athleticism blocked passing lanes, resulting in six steals, sparking transition opportunities and easy baskets.

Pacific finally broke through late with its first three-pointer of the night, but both teams struggled with cold shooting throughout — the Tigers went 1-for-9 from long, while Long Beach only converted one of six free throws.

Long Beach State led 30-25 at halftime. The Tigers were led by Elias Ralph, who had 7 points and 4 rebounds, while Long Beach was led by Shaquil Bender, who had 11 points and a steal, giving the Beach a small lead heading into the locker room.

Pacific came out of the break with renewed intensity on both ends of the floor. Forward Isaac Jack led the charge and quickly established his presence inside. Jack dominated the first three minutes of the half, grabbing rebounds and finishing through contact for six quick points.

Despite the Tigers’ strong start, Long Beach State responded with poise and precision. Gavin Sykes, who struggled in the first half, came alive in the early second half, scoring 14 points on 5-of-7 shooting (71.4%), including 3-of-4 from deep after missing his only three-pointer earlier. Sykes’ performance allowed the Beach to expand their lead and keep control of the game.

As the second half went on, Pacific began to ramp up the intensity, attempting a determined rally. The Tigers’ big men dominated the paint, crashing the boards and attacking the hoop, forcing Long Beach to foul and sending Pacific to the free-throw line, where they began to capitalize.

The Tigers’ improved aggression paid off on the glass as well, as they outrebounded the Beach 33-26, gaining additional possessions and creating more scoring opportunities. Their hustling and inside presence helped trim Long Beach’s lead to two points, anticipating a chaotic finish with momentum shifting toward Pacific with seven minutes left of the game.

The final minute of the game was heated, coming down to the last second. Gavin Sykes of Long Beach State was fouled on a three-point attempt and made a four-point play, cutting the Tigers’ lead to four points.

Pacific soon turned the ball over on the inbounds, allowing Long Beach to score a fast layup and narrow the game even further. On their following possession, the Tigers advanced the ball past half court and found Isaac Jack, who was fouled on a putback attempt. Jack hit one of two free throws to give Pacific a three-point lead.

Long Beach had a last chance for a fast three-pointer but was unable to get it in, securing the Tigers’ hard-fought victory. Despite a poor perimeter shooting performance, Pacific’s resilience, hustle, and determination in the paint drove the comeback. Long Beach had many players in double numbers, but it was unable to fend off the Tigers’ second-half surge.

Despite a difficult shooting night from beyond the arc, the Tigers found a way to win. Pacific shot 42.3% from the field and 15% from three, but their strength inside and on the boards carried the day. The Tigers scored 34 points in the paint, pulled down 42 boards, and added 31 points off the bench, showing that effort and inside scoring were crucial to their comeback.

Alexis Marmolejos led the way with 15 points on 4-of-7 shooting (57.1%), 7 rebounds, 2 steals, and 1 block, powering Pacific’s offense and defense. Isaac Jack scored 9 points and 4 rebounds in the paint, and Elias Ralph added 15 points and 9 rebounds to help secure the victory.

The Tigers will now turn their attention to the road, meeting Cal State University Fullerton (1-2) on November 15th, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., hoping to build on their grit and inside domination from this hard-fought victory.