The Cal Golden Bears men’s basketball team continued their impressive nonconference streak, securing their seventh consecutive victory with a hard-fought 79-70 win over Northwestern State on Saturday afternoon in Berkeley, California. The win elevates Cal’s overall record to 10-1, marking their longest nonconference winning streak since the 2016 season, a year when the Golden Bears last participated in the NCAA Tournament.
Key Performances Fuel Golden Bears’ Victory
The Golden Bears were propelled by a stellar offensive performance from John Camden, who set a new season-high with 25 points. He was a significant threat from beyond the arc, sinking an impressive 6 of 9 three-point attempts. Dai Dai Ames was another crucial offensive force, contributing 20 points and hitting three crucial three-pointers. Ames also provided the go-ahead basket with a layup at the 6:26 mark in the second half, a pivotal moment that gave Cal the lead for good.
Lee Dort was a dominant presence on the boards, pulling down a game-high 13 rebounds. He also added important points to the scoreboard, including a dunk that ignited a critical 12-0 scoring run for Cal in the second half. Semetri Carr, stepping in for the absent Justin Pippen, had a strong all-around game with 14 points and a game-high seven assists. Nolan Dorsey also contributed key baskets, including a dunk during the decisive run.
Northwestern State Puts Up a Fight
Despite the eventual outcome, Northwestern State, now 2-8 on the season, mounted a significant challenge. They led for a portion of the second half, taking a 65-62 advantage with just over seven minutes remaining after a three-pointer from Landyn Jumawan. Izzy Miles was the standout player for the Demons, pouring in a career-high 22 points. Miles was efficient from three-point range, making three of his four attempts. Micah Thomas added 13 points and a team-high five assists for Northwestern State, while Willie Williams was a force on the glass, grabbing a team-high eight rebounds.
A Turning Point in the Second Half
The momentum of the game shifted decisively in Cal’s favor following a dunk by Lee Dort at the 7:07 mark, which was the start of the aforementioned 12-0 run. This surge began shortly after Northwestern State had taken a brief lead. Dai Dai Ames’ go-ahead layup just 41 seconds later marked the tenth and final lead change of the second half. The Golden Bears then systematically extended their advantage through a series of baskets from Camden, Carr, Dort, and Dorsey, building a nine-point lead, 74-65, with just over two minutes left in the game.
Defensive Stands and Offensive Efficiency
During their scoring drought, Northwestern State struggled offensively, missing six consecutive shots and committing a couple of turnovers. Their scoring drought was eventually broken by Chris Mubiru with a pair of free throws with 1:08 remaining. However, the Demons were unable to close the gap significantly, never getting closer than seven points for the remainder of the contest.
Cal’s offensive efficiency was particularly notable from beyond the arc. The Golden Bears shot an impressive 12-for-26 from three-point range. In addition to Camden’s prowess, Ames and Carr also contributed multiple three-pointers to the team’s total. This balanced scoring attack, combined with timely defensive stops and rebounding, proved to be too much for Northwestern State to overcome.
The victory underscores Cal’s strong start to the season and their ability to perform under pressure, especially in nonconference play. The team’s depth and the emergence of key players like Camden and Dort highlight their potential as they continue their season.