Cal Embraces Exciting Start to 2025-26 Season

The Cal Bears kicked off their 2025-26 season with an impressive victory over CSU Bakersfield. Their commanding 87-60 win at Haas Pavilion marked the team’s largest season-opening triumph since 2020. The win provided a refreshing experience for Cal fans, who have long awaited a stress-free game.

Strong Performance by Cal Bears

Cal’s head coach, Mark Madsen, praised his team’s performance against a competitive Bakersfield squad. He noted that the Roadrunners were “scrappy” and “talented,” but his players executed a solid game plan. The Bears showed significant improvement, particularly in their passing game.

Standout Players

• John Camden: The forward led the team with 22 points, shooting 7-for-11 from the field and adding three rebounds and two assists.
• Dai Dai Ames: Contributing 18 points, Ames was effective at the rim and also recorded four assists and three rebounds.
• Justin Pippen: The sophomore point guard scored 15 points and had a game-high seven assists, showcasing his role as the primary playmaker.
• Lee Dort: In his starting role, Dort achieved a career-high 15 points, along with nine rebounds and four assists.

Improved Passing and Team Dynamics

This season, Cal improved their assist total significantly. They recorded 20 assists, a notable increase compared to last season’s average of 10.45 assists per game. Camden highlighted the positive team atmosphere, emphasizing the importance of encouraging teammates to take shots.

Areas for Improvement

Despite their victory, some concerns arose for Cal as they look ahead to their next game against Wright State. Key areas needing attention include:

• Chris Bell had a disappointing performance, posting only five points with a 1-for-5 shooting record.
• The team struggled with defensive transition, which could impact their performance against tougher opponents.
• The Bears’ three-point shooting was subpar, finishing only 2-for-16 outside of Camden.

Looking Ahead

As Cal prepares for their next match on Thursday against Wright State, the expectations remain high. Coach Madsen is focused on building a program that can contend for a national championship. With a strong start to the 2025-26 season, Cal aims to address its shortcomings and maintain its momentum. The journey to improvement continues as they strive for greatness.