The California men’s basketball team secured a 79-72 win over Utah at Haas Pavilion, maintaining an undefeated record at home and improving to 7-1 overall. Dai Dai Ames led all scorers with 25 points, while Justin Pippen contributed a career-high 23 points for the Bears. Utah’s record moved to 6-3 following the game.
Cal overcame an early eight-point deficit in the first half, outscoring Utah 24-6 in the final seven minutes before halftime to lead 42-34 at the break. The Bears shot nearly 44 percent from the field and made six of their twelve three-point attempts in the opening half, also holding a five-rebound advantage.
In the second half, Cal’s shooting from long range slowed but they held off several Utah runs. The Utes narrowed the margin to two points with just over three minutes remaining, but strong free throw shooting by Ames and key defensive plays helped Cal close out the victory. The Bears finished with a shooting percentage of 45.5 percent and made eight three-pointers while outrebounding Utah by four boards.
Utah had five players score in double figures: Terrence Brown (15), Seydou Traore (14), Keanu Dawes (14), Jacob Patrick (13), and Don McHenry (10). For Cal, John Camden added 13 points—his sixth double-digit scoring game this season—and Lee Dort matched his career high with eleven rebounds.
The match saw several momentum swings, including a ten-point run by Utah early on and multiple rallies from both teams throughout. Notable moments included a steal by Ames leading to a dunk from Pippen and critical late-game defense that forced turnovers from Utah.
With this win, Cal broke a six-game losing streak against Utah—their first victory over them since 2021—and achieved their best start since 2016. “California Through and Through” remains central to the team’s identity as described by program statements: “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.”
Cal will continue its homestand with eight straight games at Haas Pavilion; next up is Pacific on Saturday.
Season tickets for next year are available through CalBears.com/Tickets, by phone at 800-GO-BEARS (462-3277), or via email at goldstandard@berkeley.edu. Fans can support through initiatives such as the Cal Men’s Basketball Excellence Initiative. Updates are provided on X (@CalMBBall), Instagram (@CalMBBball), and Facebook (/CalMBBall/).
