California lost its first Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) road game of the season to No. 23 Virginia, falling 80-64 at John Paul Jones Arena in Charlottesville. The Golden Bears held a brief lead midway through the first half, but Virginia took control and secured the win. With this result, California’s record moves to 13-3 overall and 1-2 in ACC play, while Virginia improves to 13-2 overall and 2-1 in conference competition.
The game was close early on until fouls began affecting play and Virginia hit timely three-point shots. By halftime, the Cavaliers led 43-33 after shooting 46.7 percent from the field, making six three-pointers and converting nine of thirteen free throws. California shot 44.4 percent in the first half with three three-pointers and went six-for-seven from the line. Virginia also led in rebounds at halftime, outpacing Cal by seven boards.
In the second half, Virginia increased its intensity and finished shooting an even 50 percent for the game while collecting a total of 45 rebounds. California’s offense cooled off, ending at just over 35 percent shooting for the night with a season-low of only three made three-pointers and matching its season low of 26 rebounds.
Dai Dai Ames led Cal with 18 points, marking his fourteenth double-digit scoring effort this season. Justin Pippen added 17 points—his twelfth double-digit game—and recorded a career-high five steals. John Camden contributed fifteen points for his twelfth double-digit performance this year and continued his streak of making at least one three-pointer in every game this season. TT Carr led Cal with eight rebounds.
Virginia had five players score in double figures; Malik Thomas scored a game-high twenty points while four other Cavaliers each finished with twelve points.
The opening stretch remained tight due to key plays by Ames, including tying the score at fifteen apiece with just over twelve minutes left in the first half. Pippen followed up soon after by giving Cal a brief two-point lead before Virginia responded with consecutive threes to regain momentum.
Cal struggled offensively early in the second half as Virginia built a significant lead; Pippen broke more than five minutes without scoring by getting to the free throw line but Cal could not close the gap as Virginia maintained control for the rest of the contest.
California continues its ACC road trip next against Virginia Tech on January 10 in Blacksburg.
“Dai Dai Ames (18 points) scored in double figures for the 14th time this season.
Justin Pippen (17 points) hit double digits for the 12th time.
Pippen also had a career-high five steals.
John Camden has made at least one 3-pointer in every game this season.
With 15 points, Camden scored in double figures for the 12th time this season.
Mantas Kocanas recorded his first career assist as a Bear tonight.
Cal made a season-low three 3-pointers and matched its season low of 26 points.”
Tickets for upcoming home games can be purchased through CalBears.com/Tickets or by calling their ticket office.
