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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.

No Place Like Home, Sac State Beats Weber State, Wins 3 Home Game Stands In a Row, Final Score: 104-90

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Sacramento State Hornet guard #16 Prophet Johnson shoots a free throw in the 2nd half with 11:11 remaining in the game at the Hornet Pavilion on Monday, Feb. 2nd, 2026 (photo by the author Michael Villanueva)

By Michael Villanueva

SACRAMENTO – On SACTOWN Sports Night, Sacramento State defeated Weber State 104-90 to extend its winning streak to three games and maintain its dominance at the Hornet Pavilion. The Hornets came out strong and never looked back, playing their best basketball of the season. They controlled the game from beginning to end with a combination of early offensive bursts and disciplined second-half execution. Hornets are 5-0 at home in Big Sky play for the 2nd time ever.

The Hornets started the game with Prophet Johnson, Mark Lavrenov, Shaqir O’Neal, Mikey Williams, and Jahni Summers in the backcourt. Lavrenov had anchored Sacramento State on both ends of the court with four double-doubles in his previous six games, while Williams was one of the Big Sky’s leading scorers going into the contest with an average of 20.6 points per game. Tijan Saine Jr., Duce Paschal, Nigel Burris, Viljami Vartiainen, and Malek Gomma were the players that Weber State used to respond. Saine Jr. led the Wildcats with 15.9 points per game, while Gomma controlled the glass with 7.1 rebounds per game.

Shaqir O’Neal, a forward for Sacramento State, opened the game with a stunning three-pointer that sent the crowd into an uproar. The Hornets made four of their last five field goal attempts and played smart basketball with efficient ball movement, taking a 12-9 lead in the first five minutes. Sacramento State went on a 6-2 scoring run early in the game, but the Wildcats quickly reacted with four straight field goals to maintain a competitive score. With backdoor cutters and high screens, both teams began to establish a rhythm. However, the Hornets had a momentary slump, going scoreless for two minutes and making consecutive errors, which allowed Weber State to narrow the lead to 22–21.

Summers began a rapid run with back-to-back three-pointers to drive a 15-3 run that included five consecutive field goals, and Sacramento State immediately regained control with a 7-0 run after making three consecutive shots in a minute and a half. With six minutes left in the first half, the Hornets increased their lead to 33–24.

After that, Sacramento State scored 28 points in the last seven minutes of the first half, putting the game well out of reach. The streak included a three-pointer from Hornet Madi Arman, which gave Sacramento State three consecutive three-pointers and put Weber State in a scoring bind that lasted over three minutes. The Hornets kept up their impressive shooting, making twelve of their thirteen field goal attempts at the end of the half and six straight three-pointers. Summers scored 17 points to start the Hornets’ offensive early, and Sacramento State led 53–32 at the half. The Hornets would also finish with 9 threes in the 1st half.

Mark Lavrenov drove to the rim for a layup to give the Hornets their first basket of the second half, but O’Neal soon got into foul trouble and committed his fourth personal foul. Weber State scored right away, making four consecutive field goals and six of their final ten tries, while Sacramento State started slowly, lasting almost three minutes without scoring. In response, the Hornets maintained control by attacking the basket, drawing fouls, and making clutch free throws. Although Weber State’s determination and ability to get into the lane allowed the Wildcats to score more points in the second half than in the first, Sacramento State’s lead was cut to 9 points, 70-61.

Weber State put pressure on the Hornets with their aggressive defense and baskets in the paint, cutting the advantage to 83-68 with almost seven minutes remaining. Sacramento State maintained its composure as it continued to drive to the rim, draw fouls, and make free throws, despite the Wildcats scoring 42 points in the paint during the half. Weber State attempted a comeback late in the game with its sixth three-pointer of the half, but Sacramento State finished the game with confidence thanks to the Hornets’ discipline and beneficial turnovers.

Prophet Johnson, who scored 35 points and energized the offense with constant scoring from the perimeter and in transition, was the driving force behind the Hornets’ win. With nine rebounds and 18 points throughout Sacramento State’s scoring runs, Mark Lavrenov dominated the paint. Jahni Summers, who coordinated the offense and made big three-pointers that fueled the Hornets’ shooting runs, contributed five assists.

Prior to the game, Sacramento State guard Prophet Johnson was named the College Insider National Player of the Week for helping the Hornets stun Montana and Montana State, both of which were in second place in the Big Sky Conference, at home. Zach Chappell was the last Hornet to get this national award in 2022. Chappell is now the assistant general manager of the Hornets.

With their third consecutive win, Sacramento State upped its home-court record to 9-1 and reinforced its standing as one of the top 6 schools in the Big Sky Conference. The Hornets will host first-place Portland State at 7 p.m. on February 7, 2026, in another major Big Sky game, hoping to build on their home-court success and continue their climb in the conference standings.

The Hornet Pavilion is buzzing with record-breaking crowds and momentum on their side. Just the Hornets hope to move this momentum and play it into road games, as the Hornets still haven’t won on the road. However, the team loves to play and thrive in their nest. Saturday’s game will conclude the team 4-game homestand.

Detroit Pistons Get A Clutch Time Win Against Golden State Warriors, 131-124

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Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) dunks against Golden State Warriors center Al Horford (20) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in San Francisco, Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. (Photo Credits to AP photographer Jed Jacobsohn)

By Michael Villanueva

SAN FRANCISCO – On the last Friday night of January at Chase Center in San Francisco, the Detroit Pistons defeated the Golden State Warriors 131–124, ending a four-game losing streak and giving the Warriors an upsetting home loss.

Detroit entered the game as the best team in the Eastern Conference, boasting a 15–7 road record and a 7–3 streak over its last ten games. Meanwhile, Golden State was ranked eighth in the Western Conference and had a solid 17–7 home record.

Al Horford, Draymond Green, Moses Moody, Brandin Podziemski, and Stephen Curry made up the Warriors’ starting lineup. Curry, who led Golden State with 27.3 points and 4.9 assists per game, was just selected as a starter for the NBA All-Star Game, which will take place at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. This will be the 75th NBA All-Star Game and the first to be held at the brand-new LA Clippers arena.

Detroit responded with a starting five of Tobias Harris, Duncan Robinson, Jalen Duren, Cade Cunningham, and birthday guard Ausar Thompson. Draymond Green, a native of Michigan born in Saginaw, attended Saginaw High School and spent four seasons at Michigan State, bringing symbolic meaning to the evening. A Michigan State University Draymond Green bobblehead was given to the first 10,000 fans in celebration of Green. The Golden State also had its Japanese Heritage Night inside Chase Center.

Curry, who made an early three-pointer and raised the streak to 88 straight games with a three-pointer, led the Warriors to an exciting start to the evening. After drawing a shooting foul on Detroit, Horford made two free throws, giving him an early 3-point play, which helped Golden State get off to a fast start.

The Pistons remained close to Golden State despite the team’s strong start. With six minutes left in the first quarter, Duncan Robinson made his fourth three-pointer and finished with 12 points, but 15 points for the night. Both teams had a strong offensive start, but Detroit took the lead by shooting 76 percent from the field in the first quarter.

Detroit finished the quarter with 15 team assists, including eight points and six assists from Cunningham. Detroit had a 45-37 lead at the end of the first quarter thanks to a late 8-3 scoring run. This was the most points the Pistons had scored in a single quarter this season.

Detroit continued to control the paint and went on a 9–6 scoring run to start the second quarter. Golden State had only eight points in the paint, while the Pistons had already scored 28, putting early pressure on the Warriors.

Draymond Green helped keep Golden State within striking distance, knocking down his fourth three-pointer of the half after hitting back-to-back pairs in each of the first two quarters. After an out-of-bounds call that initially ruled for the Pistons’ ball but was later challenged and overturned by the Warriors, Green received his tenth technical foul of the season.

Golden State started to rally after falling behind by up to 15 points, and because of a spark from its bench, the lead dropped to five points. Fan favorite Gui Santos energized the Chase Center crowd and the team with his effort and second-chance opportunities, scoring nine points in eight minutes.

Detroit scored 14 points off 10 Golden State turnovers, taking advantage of the Warriors’ mistakes. Both inside and on the fast break, the Pistons continued to dominate. Detroit regularly played well in transition and on pick-and-rolls, scoring 42 points in the paint by the half.

Cunningham led Detroit with 13 points, two rebounds, and seven assists at the half. Curry made his third three-pointer of the evening, while Green led Golden State with 15 points, three rebounds, and one assist. With a 77–64 lead, Detroit scored 42 points in the paint and 62 percent from the field on 31-of-50 shooting, which was the second-most amount of points the Pistons had scored in a half this season.

Detroit had a strong start to the second half. Cunningham made a dunk after the Pistons forced a steal on the first possession. Moses Moody fouled Jalen Duren, who then finished a three-point play shortly after.

Golden State began to show signs of mental exhaustion as the Pistons maintained their lead into the third quarter. Detroit was ahead 88-71 with eight minutes remaining. The Warriors went on a 13–5 scoring run as Curry sparked a response with a deep three-pointer and then a three-point play.

But Golden State’s turnover problems remained as they gave up 17 points, which Detroit turned into 29 points. Additionally, the Pistons outscored the Warriors 26–5 in fast-break points and 54–28 in paint points.

Detroit entered the fourth quarter in control with a 108–95 advantage, while both All-Star starting guards — Curry and Cunningham — had 23 points each, giving Bay Area fans a show on the last Friday of January.

Buddy Hield and Moses Moody made two three-pointers to start the fourth quarter for the Warriors, but Cunningham answered for Detroit. With ten minutes left in the game, Curry was ruled out due to right knee soreness.

With eight minutes to go, Detroit was ahead 117–106, but Hield made a crucial three-pointer that cut the lead to eight. Golden State was now within 117-112 when Gui Santos made a three-pointer to start an 11-2 run.

In the closing minutes, the game stayed close. Both sides were swapping baskets as the score stood at 122–116 with four minutes remaining. Detroit held a four-point lead at 126–122 late in the game. With an 8-foot fadeaway, Tobias Harris pushed the lead to six, but Melton responded by making both of his free throws, cutting the lead back to four.

The Pistons moved to 35–12 after defeating the Warriors 131–124. This ended a four-game losing streak for Detroit and was their first victory over Golden State since January 4, 2023.

Cade Cunningham led the Detroit Pistons with 29 points and 11 assists, leading the team’s attack and setting the game’s tempo. With 21 points and 13 rebounds, Jalen Duren had a fantastic evening as well. He dominated inside and helped Detroit keep a commanding lead in the paint. While Tobias Harris was perfect from the free-throw line, going 9-of-9, grabbing eight rebounds, and making big shots late in the fourth quarter, Duncan Robinson went 5-of-10 from three-point range (50%), stretching Golden State’s defense. Ausar Thompson contributed energy and defensive stops, especially during transition. Thompson also did his best trying to guard Stephen Curry, as he is one of the team’s toughest defenders.

De’Anthony Melton came up off the bench with 18 points, four rebounds, and three assists for the Warriors, while Stephen Curry led the team with 23 points before leaving in the fourth quarter due to knee soreness. Golden State was unable to get past the young and tough Pistons despite their best efforts, and the Warriors were unable to carry out their usual second-half comeback efforts.

On Tuesday, February 3, 2026, the Golden State Warriors will meet the Philadelphia 76ers at Chase Center in San Francisco to return to play. The Warriors’ Black History Month will begin at 7 p.m., and fans will have another opportunity to watch Golden State play at home ,hopefully with a different outcome.

Hornets Win Big Sky Game Against Montana State, 83-80, at Hornet Pavilion

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Sacramento State guard #1 Mikey Williams shoots a midrange jumper to tie up the score, 69-69, against Montana State Bobcats on January 29th, 2026, at the Hornet Pavilion in Sacramento, CA. (Photo by Michael Villanueva)

By Michael Villanueva

SACRAMENTO – In an exciting Big Sky Conference game on Thursday night at Hornet Pavilion, Sacramento State defeated Montana State 83-80 to begin its season-long four-game homestand. The Hornets defeated the Bobcats in the closing seconds of a tough game to improve to 7-1 at home and capture their seventh victory of the year. Fans were on the edge of their seats the entire time as Sacramento State used home-court energy, clutch plays, and key performances to win. The game had five lead changes and six ties.

Montana State was 13-8 overall and 7-1 in conference play going into the game, while the Hornets were 6-13 overall and 2-5 in Big Sky play. After a two-game losing run, Sacramento State returned home and used its home-court advantage and intensity to take control at key points, ending the Bobcats’ four-game winning streak. For a squad that had gone 49 days in a row without a home game earlier in the season, the win was very meaningful. The Hornets’ return to Hornet Pavilion and their eventual win were all the more meaningful during that time, which featured a seven-game road trip and the third-longest home-game break among Division I teams.

All 15 players on Sacramento State’s roster are new to the program this season, yet the Hornets showed unity and grit throughout the game. Mikey Williams, Jahni Summers, Shaqir O’Neal, Prophet Johnson, and Mark Lavrenov, their starting five, led the effort. Mark Lavrenov finished the game with a double-double of 17 points and 12 rebounds, anchoring the Hornets in the paint, while Prophet Johnson led the way with 27 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists. Williams helped Sacramento State keep control in the crucial closing minutes by contributing crucial scoring.

The leadership team at Sacramento State played a crucial role in directing the new roster. In his debut season, NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal was the general manager, and head coach Mike Bibby went back to his hometown. In a Big Sky Conference game, the two assisted in leading a newly formed squad to a big win at home. Sacramento State’s Sikh Night, which honored Sikh culture and showcased the team’s strong identity in the newly renovated Hornet Pavilion—a section of The WELL transformed into the program’s current home—marked the end of a 66-year tenure at The Nest.

Montana State selected a starting lineup with Chris Hodges, Christian King, Jed Miller, Davian Brown, and Patrick McMahon. Jed Miller led the way with 25 points as the Bobcats, who are renowned for their shooting, made nine three-pointers in the second half after making six in the first. Montana State was unable to overcome the Hornets’ home-court energy and clutch performance, even though they scored 42 points in the second half and kept the game close with several ties and lead changes.

The Hornets led 45-38 at the half after controlling the opening half. Christian King, forward for the Bobcats, opened the score early with a jumper following a Hornets turnover, but Sacramento State soon recovered. In the first 19 minutes, Mark Lavrenov scored 12 points on flawless 5-of-5 shooting and pulled down 5 rebounds, while Prophet Johnson scored 17 points with 3 rebounds and 4 assists. The Hornets’ excellent three-point shooting—more than 50% in the first half—along with Lavrenov’s tenacity and unrelenting hustle in the paint allowed Sacramento State take a 10-point lead, which was sealed by an important 7-0 scoring run.

Montana State was determined to recover from their shooting in the 1st half after halftime, and the Bobcats’ shooting allowed them to do so. However, Sacramento State remained calm, relying on solid performances from Johnson, Lavrenov, and Williams, as well as the passion of their home crowd, to overcome the Bobcats’ charge. The Hornets sealed the hard-fought 83-80 victory in the closing minutes by stopping Montana State’s comeback. Sacramento State was able to go on a 14-9 run in the final four minutes. Six of those points came from guard Mikey Williams.

Hornets Prophet Johnson, Mikey Williams, and Mark Lavrenov combined for 67 points to help Sacramento State secure this win. The Hornets also shot a season high 56% from the field while also hitting eight trey’s in 18 attempts going 44%. The Hornets showed their athleticism and toughness with having 24-2 fast break total points, along with having 40 of their 83 points in the paint.

The Hornets will try to build on this win in their upcoming home game against the University of Montana Grizzlies on January 31 at 7 p.m. at Hornet Pavilion in Sacramento, California.

10-0, 10-0,10-0, Pacific Tigers are 10-0 at Home, as they beat Portland Pioneers, 74-51

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Pacific Tigers guard #2 Elias Ralph makes a midrange jumper to extend the lead, 42-25, on Wednesday, January 28th, 2026, at the Alex G. Spanos Center in Stockton, CA, against the University of Portland Pioneers (photo by Michael Villanueva-Sports Radio Service)

By Michael Villanueva

STOCKTON – The Pacific Tigers beat the University of Portland, Pioneers 74-51 on Wednesday night in a West Coast Conference game at the Alex G. Spanos Center in Stockton, California. The game, played on Dignity Health Night, came midway through WCC play and was a major win for Pacific, which stopped a five-game losing streak to Portland while remaining unbeaten at home. With the win, the Tigers advanced to 15-8 overall, 6-4 in conference play, and 10-0 in the Spanos Center, kicking off a three-game winning run at the midway point.

Pacific entered the game off a hard-fought 56-54 win against Seattle on Saturday, the two programs’ first meeting in 42 years. The game was extra important because Portland had just beaten Pacific. In their first meeting of the season, the Tigers led 86-81 in overtime before the Pilots sank three straight three-pointers on their last possessions, including a left-corner shot by Matus Hronsky with 3.0 seconds left, handing Pacific a heartbreaking 90-89 loss.

Pacific’s starting five—TJ Wainwright, Isaac Jack, Elias Ralph, Justin Rochelin, and Jaden Clayton—provided perseverance and toughness throughout the game, with four players (Ralph, Rochelin, Jack, and Wainwright) posting double-doubles this season.

Portland entered the night with a starting lineup of Jermaine Ballisager, Dante Censori-Hercules, James O’Donnell, Samuel Noland, and Mikah Ballew, looking to complete a season sweep of Pacific. Dante Censori-Hercules had been efficient as a defensive stopper all season and had his best game of the year versus Pepperdine, ending with four points, six rebounds, and four assists in 27 minutes. He backed up his performance with a season-high seven rebounds vs Loyola Marymount.

Pacific took control of the game from the start. Isaac Jack scored the first point with a layup, and the Tigers went on a 7-0 scoring run in the first nine minutes, establishing an early lead and forcing Portland to play catch-up. Pacific led 40-21 at halftime, thanks to strong performances from TJ Wainwright and Elias Ralph, who each scored 11 points. Wainwright went 5-for-6 from the field, plus two assists and two steals, while Ralph had four rebounds on 2-of-5 shooting. Pacific shot 61.5% from the floor in the first half, scoring 22 of its 40 points in the paint, executing its plan of feeding the post and creating high-percentage shots. Portland struggled to create a rhythm offensively, shooting just 24 percent from the floor (6-of-24) and 10 percent from three-point range (1-of-10).

Pacific maintained its control during the second half. Justin Rochelin started strong, going 5-for-6 and launching a four-minute scoring outburst of 6-1. The Tigers also dominated transition, scoring 10 fast-break baskets while holding Portland scoreless in their transitions. Pacific expanded its lead to 62-38 after 13 minutes, and the Tigers led 69-46 in the final three minutes, effectively securing the win. Justin Rochelin led Pacific’s diverse offense with 17 points on 7-of-10 shooting and 11 rebounds, while TJ Wainwright contributed 15 points, one rebound, three assists, and three steals. Their performances, combined with help from the rest of the starting lineup, dominated Portland on both ends of the court.

Pacific’s win was a complete home-court effort, keeping the Tigers unbeaten at the Alex G. Spanos Center and snapping Portland’s five-game losing streak. Pacific now turns its attention to the road, riding a three-game winning run as it prepares to meet the University of San Francisco Dons on Saturday, January 31st, 2026, at 7 p.m. at the Sobrato Center in San Francisco.

Tigers Stay Unbeatable at Home, Hold Off Redhawks, 56–54

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Pacific Tiger guard #10 TJ Wainwright shoots a midrange jumper to extend the Tigers’ lead against the Seattle University Redhawks, 55-48, on January 24th, 2026, in the Alex G. Spanos Center. (Photo by Michael Villanueva)

By Michael Villanueva

STOCKTON – The Pacific men’s basketball team defeated Seattle University 56-54 on Saturday evening at the Alex G. Spanos Center, improving to 9-0 at home and 5-4 in WCC play, enough for fifth place in the league. Isaac Jack and TJ Wainwright led the way, delivering big plays that helped the Tigers withstand Seattle’s late surge. Jack finished with 14 points, 8 boards, and 2 blocks, and Wainwright added 15 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals to help Pacific remain unbeaten at home.

Pacific, which is 9-0 at home this season, welcomed West Coast Conference newcomer Seattle to Stockton. Seattle (14-8, 3-6 WCC) entered the game after defeating LMU 69-59 at home on Wednesday, and they had also achieved big upsets against Stanford, Washington, UTEP, Texas State, Denver, UTSA, and UC Davis in non-conference play.

Pacific is currently ranked 109th out of 365 teams in the NCAA NET Rankings, while the Redhawks are 118th. The WCC has six teams in the top 120, with Gonzaga leading the way at No. 4. This was the first game between the two teams since Pacific defeated Seattle 74-54 at home on Dec. 16, 1984. It was the 13th meeting between the two schools, dating back to the 1956-57 season, with Pacific leading 3-1 at home.

The Tigers began WCC play against the Redhawks at 4 p.m., eager to defend their home court, where they had been dominant all season.

Pacific’s starting lineup of TJ Wainwright, Justin Rochelin, Isaac Jack, Elias Ralph, and Jaden Clayton. Elias Ralph entered the game leading the Tigers with 17.0 points and 6.7 rebounds per game, while also ranking in the top five in the WCC in scoring, minutes played, and free throw %.

Seattle went with Maleek Arington, Will Heimbroot, Austin Maurer, Junseok Yeo, and Brayden Maldonado. Maldonado entered the game as the Redhawks’ top scorer, averaging 14.9 points per game on 43.6 percent shooting from the field.

Pacific quickly took control of the game, going on a 5-0 run in the first three minutes. Justin Rochelin began the Tigers’ scoring surge with back-to-back three-pointers, giving him eight points. Seattle responded with three three-pointers in four attempts, bringing the score back to 18-15.

Pacific then spread the floor offensively, attacking the paint, with Jack making huge efforts. The Tigers also won the rebounding battle 19-12, scored 20 points in the paint, and had 11 assists to Seattle’s four. The first half ended with Pacific leading 33-18.

Seattle climbed into Pacific’s lead in the second half, thanks to early mistakes. A 10-0 Redhawks run pushed the score to 35-28, and they hit three of four three-pointers down the stretch to keep within the game’s reach. By the 13-minute mark, Pacific led 42-35, with a 31-20 rebounding advantage and 14 total turnovers.

TJ Wainwright made the team’s first three-pointer since the first half, helping Pacific expand its advantage to 53-43 with three minutes left.

Seattle made one more push, going on a 17-4 scoring run over six minutes to narrow its lead to 56-55 with 13.9 seconds left. Brayden Maldonado led Seattle with 20 points, 6 of 12 from three, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal. Despite the Redhawks’ late surge, Pacific hung on for a 56-54 victory, thanks in large part to Jack and Wainwright’s toughness and key plays, keeping the Tigers flawless at home.

The Tigers are now on a two-game winning streak, remain undefeated at home, and are in fifth place in the WCC. Pacific will host the Portland Pilots at the Alex G. Spanos Center in Stockton, California, on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at 7 p.m.

Sharks Win: Celebrini’s Historic Night Leads San Jose Past New York Rangers, 3-1

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San Jose Shark forward #71 Macklin Celebrini faces off against New York Ranger forward #93 Mika Zibanejad in the 3rd period at the SAP Center on January 23rd, 2026. (Photo credits to Michael Villanueva Sports Radio Services)

By Michael Villanueva

SAN JOSE- The San Jose Sharks defeated the New York Rangers 3-1 at SAP Center on Friday night, completing a season sweep of the two-game series and strengthening their hold over their Eastern Conference teams.

The Sharks, with a 13-9-3 home record and 6-4 in their past ten games, were well-suited to dominate the game, while the Rangers, having a 16-11-2 road record, had struggled recently, finishing 2-7-1 in their last ten games. This was the teams’ second meeting this season, with San Jose winning the first 6-5 in overtime on Thursday, October 23, 2025, in New York. Adding to the excitement, the game was part of Bay Area Unite, which featured the San Francisco 49ers and created a wild scene of teal, red, and gold at SAP Center.

Prior to this game, the Sharks had spent the previous four games on the road. They ended that road trip with two wins and two losses. So San Jose fans were looking forward to having their Sharks back in the bay just before they headed on the road for five games. This win was significant and a great confidence boost as they prepare to travel to Vancouver.

San Jose wasted no time establishing its dominance. Just 1:09 into the game, Macklin Celebrini scored his 25th goal of the season, assisted by Tyler Toffoli (20) and Will Smith (18). Two minutes later, Pavol Regenda extended the lead with a backhand goal assisted by Michael Misa (5) and Collin Graf. Celebrini scored his second goal of the game on a slap shot, assisted by Will Smith (19) and Collin Graf (15), giving him 26 goals for the season. Celebrini (120 games) became the fastest player in Sharks history to score 50 NHL goals, overtaking Logan Couture (135 games). The Sharks scored three goals in the first 7:37, which was their fastest in franchise history. The Sharks have not started a game like that since December 21, 2011, against the Tampa Bay Lightning. The first-period multi-point scorers have a fun history linked to their youth. At the time of the 2011 game, Celebrini was five years old, Smith was six, and Graf was nine.

Later in the first quarter, Sam Carrick scored a wrist shot with assists from Taylor Raddysh (5) and Anton Blidh (1) to cut the lead to 3-1. However, San Jose’s defense and goalkeeper prevented New York from applying continuous pressure. The second period was calmer, with the Sharks generating only 8 shots on goal compared to 17 in the first, but they remained disciplined, taking no penalties and controlling the pace.

San Jose’s waters were quiet throughout the third period. The Sharks limited the Rangers to one goal, avoiding a potential blowout for the Rangers and securing the victory at home. The Sharks’ ability to manage the game, maintain their advantage, and remain composed under pressure enabled them to win the game comfortably.

This win proved the Sharks’ ability to start quickly, play disciplined hockey, and capitalize on great performances, especially those of Macklin Celebrini, whose two goals not only launched the early surge but also won him a historic team milestone. With this win, San Jose completed the sweep of New York and continued to gather momentum at home. Making their home record for the Sharks now, 14-9-3.

The Sharks are starting off their weekend with a win. The team currently sits in 4th place in the Pacific Division, 8th place in the Western conference, and now heads on the road to play in Vancouver, BC, against the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday, January 27th, at 7 p.m.

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).

17-Point Comeback Leads Pacific Tigers to Win on Powercat’s Birthday, 77-70

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Pacific Tiger guard TJ Wainwright drives into the paint for a one-handed 10-foot jumper to extend the lead by 3 points. (Photo Credits to Michael Villanueva)

Pacific Tigers (12-7, 3-3 WCC)

San Diego Toreros (7-11, 2-4 WCC)

By Michael Villanueva

STOCKTON – On Saturday evening, the Pacific Tigers celebrated more than just basketball by honoring their mascot Powercat’s birthday and defeating the San Diego Toreros 77-70 at the Alex G. Spanos Center. Tip-off took place at 4 p.m., and the home crowd saw Pacific overcome an early lead to dominate the second half.

Pacific enters and remains undefeated at home, 8-0, as it competed in its sixth West Coast Conference game of the season. The Tigers also evened the series with San Diego after the Toreros won 66-54 on December 28, 2025, at the Jenny Craig Pavilion.

San Diego’s starting lineup included guards Dominique Ford, Ty-Laur Johnson, and Adrian McIntyre, as well as forwards Tim Moore Jr. and Assane Diop. Pacific’s starting lineup featured guards TJ Wainwright, Justin Rochelin, and Jaden Clayton, as well as forwards Elias Ralph and Isaac Jack.

Ralph, Pacific’s top scorer and one of the team’s leaders, came into the game averaging 17.4 points and 6.8 rebounds per game, providing a strong anchor as the Tigers attempted to defend their home court. San Diego scored first, with forward Assane Diop hitting a three-pointer to give the Toreros an early lead.

The first few minutes were competitive and high-energy, but Pacific struggled to establish its rhythm, shooting only 24.2 percent (8-of-33) in the first half, while San Diego shot 50 percent (12-of-24). Despite their problems, the Tigers dominated the glass 24-15. Johnson led the Toreros at halftime with 11 points, three rebounds, and two assists, driving San Diego to a 34-24 lead. The Toreros’ hustle and energy paid off early.

Pacific came out after halftime with renewed energy. Guards TJ Wainwright and Elias Ralph each made two three-pointers in the first seven minutes, cutting the score to 50-42. Wainwright led the Tigers at the time in scoring with 14 points and 7 rebounds, while Ralph gave a defensive presence and scoring impact.

San Diego tried to maintain control, seizing on a four-minute Tigers scoreless drought, but Ty-Laur Johnson’s efforts — 19 points on 7-of-11 shooting with seven rebounds — were unable to keep the lead. With seven minutes left, Pacific’s resilience and ‘eye of the tiger’ mentality began to show.

Forward, Isaac Jack battled in the post, helping the Tigers break a scoreless stretch and go on a 12-2 run to erase a 17-point lead in the second half. Jack finished with 16 points and 7 rebounds, making four of his last five attempts, while Wainwright had a double-double of 25 points and 10 rebounds.

Pacific took control in the final minutes, with Jack making a layup in the paint to give the Tigers a 63-62 lead, which was followed by a critical three-pointer from Wainwright to increase the lead. From then on, the Tigers’ defense locked in, forcing San Diego to shoot 1-of-13 from their last attempts while ending strong on offense, shooting 46.9 percent in the second half, a significant improvement over their first-half 24.2 percent.

The victory tied the series at 1-1 and was Pacific’s third WCC win of the season, improving their conference record to 3-3 and overall record to 12-7. The Tigers also stay undefeated at home, giving Powercat plenty of reasons to celebrate his birthday with the team and fans.

Pacific now prepares for its next game, against the Santa Clara Broncos on Wednesday, January 14th, at 7:00 PM at the Leavey Center in Santa Clara. The Tigers are currently sixth in the WCC rankings, with Santa Clara in third place.

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.