A sellout crowd filled Haas Pavilion as the California Golden Bears hosted No. 6 Duke for their first men’s basketball matchup in Berkeley on Wednesday night. The event drew 11,201 fans, marking the arena’s first full house since February 2024.
The game was closely contested in the first half, with Cal responding to a 7-0 Duke run by putting together a 10-0 surge of its own. However, Duke finished the half strong with a 13-0 run to lead 37-30 at halftime. In the opening period, Duke shot nearly 47 percent from the field and outrebounded Cal by five.
Cal managed to tie the game at 41 early in the second half and remained within three points midway through the period. A series of scoreless stretches allowed Duke to extend its lead, ultimately resulting in a final score of 71-56 in favor of the Blue Devils. For the game, Duke shot just over 45 percent while Cal finished at about 36 percent from the field. The Blue Devils also held a significant rebounding advantage.
Lee Dort led Cal with 14 points and nine rebounds. John Camden contributed 11 points and Justin Pippen added ten while tying his career high with five steals. On Duke’s side, Cameron Boozer posted a double-double with a game-high 21 points and 13 rebounds; Isaiah Evan scored seventeen.
Chris Bell opened scoring for Cal with an early three-pointer as the Bears took an initial lead. Key plays included DeJuan Campbell’s steal and assist to Dort for an alley-oop dunk that put Cal ahead by six early on. Despite falling behind after another Duke run, Cal briefly reclaimed momentum before foul trouble and timely shooting from Duke shifted control back to the visitors.
In addition to being one of only two sellouts at Haas Pavilion since early last year—the venue’s capacity was adjusted to approximately eleven thousand two hundred starting this season—several players reached statistical milestones during Wednesday’s contest: Lee Dort achieved double figures for the seventh time this season; Justin Pippen did so for his fourteenth; John Camden reached double digits for his thirteenth outing.
The Golden Bears now hold a record of thirteen wins and five losses overall (1-4 ACC), while sixth-ranked Duke improved to fifteen wins against one loss (5-0 ACC).
California will host North Carolina next at Haas Pavilion on Saturday afternoon. The upcoming game will include halftime recognition of Solomon Hughes as recipient of the Pete Newell Career Achievement Award.
“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,” according to team officials.
Tickets for upcoming home games can be purchased through CalBears.com/Tickets or by calling their ticket office directly.
For further coverage or updates about California men’s basketball, fans are encouraged to follow official social media channels on X (@CalMBBall), Instagram (@CalMBBball), or Facebook (/CalMBBall/).
