The California men’s basketball team secured its 10th victory of the season with a 79-70 win over Northwestern State at Haas Pavilion. The Golden Bears improved their record to 10-1 overall and maintained an undefeated streak at home, while Northwestern State dropped to 2-8 for the season.
The game saw multiple lead changes, totaling 14 throughout the contest. Cal pulled away late in the second half with a decisive 12-0 run, earning its seventh consecutive win.
At halftime, the teams were tied at 37 after Dai Dai Ames made a layup just before the buzzer. Cal shot 42.9 percent from the field in the first half, while Northwestern State connected on 54.5 percent of its shots and led in rebounding by one board. In the second half, Cal improved defensively, holding Northwestern State to under 38 percent shooting and raising its own field goal percentage to just over 48 percent.
“I thought in the second half we came out with a tremendous sense of urgency, in terms of communication, in terms of being there to help teammates out,” head coach Mark Madsen said. “We have to do that for 40 minutes. As we can improve and build into that, our defense will get even better.”
John Camden led Cal with a season-high 25 points, including six three-pointers. Dai Dai Ames contributed 20 points for his fifth game this season scoring at least that many and has reached double digits in all but one game so far this year. TT Carr started for the first time and set career highs with both 14 points and seven assists. Lee Dort recorded personal bests as well with thirteen rebounds and three blocks.
Northwestern State was paced by Izzy Miles’ twenty-two points and Micah Thomas’ thirteen.
Cal’s next games will also be played at home as they host Morgan State on Friday, December 19 at 7 p.m., followed by Columbia on Sunday afternoon.
Notable achievements from today’s game include Carr’s back-to-back double-digit scoring performances and new career highs; Camden’s ninth double-digit outing this year; Dorsey setting his season high in points; Cal’s longest winning streak since seven straight victories in 2016; matching their best start since opening up with ten wins in eleven games during the 2014 season; and remaining undefeated when limiting opponents to seventy-two or fewer points.
Fans interested in purchasing tickets for upcoming games can visit CalBears.com/Tickets, call (800) GO-BEARS (462-3277), or email goldstandard@berkeley.edu for more information about supporting or following Cal men’s basketball.
“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.
