California’s men’s basketball team celebrated a significant milestone by achieving their 300th victory at Haas Pavilion during a dominant season opener. The Golden Bears defeated CSU Bakersfield with a score of 87-60 on November 3, marking a strong start to the 2025-26 season.
Key Highlights from the Game
The game featured an impressive performance, highlighted by John Camden, who led the scoring with 22 points. The Bears showcased their offensive prowess, shooting 54.2% from the field. They were also effective in distributing the ball, tallying 20 assists throughout the match.
Player Contributions
- John Camden: 22 points, including 3 three-pointers.
- Dai Dai Ames: 18 points.
- Justin Pippen: Career-high 15 points and 7 assists.
- Lee Dort: Career-high 15 points and 9 rebounds.
CSU Bakersfield had two players scoring in double figures: Ronald Jessamy and Dailin Smith, both contributing 16 points each.
Game Progression
The Bears started the game with a strong 10-0 run, propelled by Camden’s early three-pointer. After a brief response from the Roadrunners, the Bears continued to build their lead. Midway through the first half, Cal established a significant 30-18 lead.
At halftime, California maintained a 37-26 advantage. The second half saw the Bears continuing to push their lead, with a notable 11-0 run that widened the margin to 70-46.
Statistics Overview
| Team | Points | Field Goal % | Turnovers | Rebounds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California (Cal) | 87 | 54.2% | 17 | 37 |
| CSU Bakersfield | 60 | 35.8% | N/A | 29 |
Looking Ahead
This victory is not just a win; it reflects the team’s growth, with seven newcomers scoring their first points as California Golden Bears. Head Coach Mark Madsen is now close to marking his 100th career win, with 98 victories to date.
Next, the Golden Bears will host Wright State on November 6, aiming to build on their successful start to the season at Haas Pavilion.
