Cal Rejoins Haas for Extended Home Stand

Cal is gearing up for an eight-game home stretch, starting with two significant matchups at Haas Pavilion this week. The Bears, with a current record of 6-1, will host Utah on December 2. The game is set to tip off at 7 p.m. and will be followed by a clash against Pacific on December 6 at 2 p.m. Utah enters the contest with a record of 6-2. Fans can tune in through ACC Network Extra or the Cal Bears Sports Network, with radio coverage available on 810 AM.

Exciting Promotions for Fans

The upcoming game against Utah will feature a “Haas of Pain” theme, where Cal students will receive a free t-shirt. This initiative aims to enhance the festive atmosphere during the match.

Recent Success Against Ranked Opponents

On November 25, Cal achieved a remarkable victory over No. 18 UCLA, winning 80-72 at Chase Center in a finale game of the Empire Classic. This win marked Cal’s first against a ranked opponent since 2020.

The game showcased an intense back-and-forth struggle, with the lead changing hands six times before halftime. Cal ended the first half trailing 41-36, but surged ahead in the second half with a 13-2 run.

Key Players Shine

• Chris Bell led Cal with 22 points, marking his third game scoring over 20 points this season and surpassing 1,000 career points.
• Dai Dai Ames contributed significantly with 14 points, all scored in the second half.
• Justin Pippen added 13 points, while Rytis Petraitis had 12 points and a team-high seven rebounds.

Cal finished shooting 44.8% overall, making 6-of-11 three-point attempts in the second half. Defensively, Cal’s ability to hold opponents under 72 points continues to be a strength, as they are undefeated at 6-0 when achieving this.

Player Highlights and Statistics

The Bears have several players showcasing strong performance early in the season:

• Dai Dai Ames leads with an average of 18.1 points per game, ranking 11th nationally in three-point shooting percentage at 52.8%.
• Chris Bell, with a scoring average of 16.6 points per game, has established himself as a key contributor.
• Justin Pippen stands out with an average of 5.0 assists per game, putting him among the top playmakers in the nation.

Inaugural Season Highlights

This season marks the second year for Cal in the Atlantic Coast Conference. The Bears have embraced new talent, with nine transfers and four freshmen joining the roster. Among these, several players have reached notable career milestones already:

• Chris Bell’s milestone of 1,000 career points, achieved during the UCLA game.
• Milos Ilic recorded his 500th rebound against UCLA.

Cal’s dynamic play style has led to recording over 90 points in multiple games this season, a first since 2014. With the support of their fans, the Bears are looking to build momentum with this home stretch.

Looking Ahead

Cal’s upcoming matchups at Haas Pavilion will be crucial for establishing their presence in the competition. Fans are encouraged to support the team as they stay focused on achieving success in December. With continued strong performances from players like Bell and Ames, Cal is poised for an exciting run.