The California men’s basketball team secured a 93-71 victory over Dominican at Haas Pavilion, maintaining their undefeated record at home this season. The win extends the Golden Bears’ current streak to six games, marking their longest winning run since 2016. Cal’s overall record now stands at 9-1, which is their best start to a season since 2014.
In the first half, Cal struggled offensively, shooting just 18.4 percent from the field and making only one of sixteen attempts from beyond the arc. At halftime, they trailed Dominican 31-28, with Dominican shooting 43.3 percent and hitting four three-pointers in that span. Despite difficulties from the floor, Cal capitalized on free throws by converting thirteen out of fourteen attempts before halftime.
The second half saw a significant turnaround for Cal as they scored 65 points and improved their shooting percentage to 66.7 percent for that period. Dai Dai Ames contributed all of his fourteen points after halftime. The team finished with an overall field goal percentage of 40.8 percent.
Justin Pippen led Cal with a career-high twenty-four points and added four steals—also a personal best—while John Camden recorded eighteen points and eight rebounds. Chris Bell added eleven points, and TT Carr achieved career highs with ten points and seven rebounds. Camden, Pippen, and Bell were perfect from the free-throw line as Cal converted twenty-seven out of thirty attempts overall—a season high.
Dominican was led by Nick Medeiros’ sixteen points and Michael Wilson’s ten points while finishing with forty-seven percent shooting from the field and making ten three-pointers.
Cal faced early adversity when Dominican went on a nine-point run to take a thirteen-to-nine lead six minutes into the game. After falling behind by ten midway through the first half, Cal narrowed the deficit primarily through successful free throws before eventually regaining a brief lead late in the half.
At the start of the second half, Cal opened with five consecutive made shots in three minutes—including two three-pointers—to reclaim control of the game. Dai Dai Ames scored seven quick points to extend Cal’s advantage midway through the period while Pippen reached his new career scoring mark in this stretch.
This game marked several milestones: it was Cal’s fourth ninety-point outing this season; TT Carr posted career highs in both scoring (ten) and rebounding (seven); it was also the first time this year that five different Bears scored in double digits; finally, holding Dominican to seventy-one points kept intact an undefeated record when limiting opponents to seventy-two or fewer this season.
Looking ahead, California will continue its homestand against Northwestern State on Saturday.
“California Through and Through” is more than a slogan – it’s a statement of identity, pride and our trajectory as Cal Men’s Basketball. Just like our state, our program is engaging, diverse and inspiring. We have a rich history and legacy, and we have a bright future. Being California Through and Through means we celebrate our community and our place within it.
