Cal Basketball Extends Hot Start with Gritty Win Over Wright State

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The California Golden Bears continued their strong opening to the 2025–26 season with a hard-fought 77–67 victory over Wright State at Haas Pavilion on Thursday night. Led by junior guard Dai Dai Ames, who poured in 23 points and provided key baskets in crunch time, Cal improved to 2–0 under head coach Mark Madsen, while Wright State dropped to 1–1.

A Battle of Transfers and Tenacity

This nonconference clash was as much a showcase of new faces as it was a test of early-season resolve. Cal’s transfer-heavy lineup shined once again, with Ames—formerly of Kansas State and Virginia—commanding the floor and hitting three of five shots from beyond the arc. His clutch three-pointer with just over two minutes remaining halted a late Wright State rally and sealed the Bears’ win.

John Camden, another offseason addition from Delaware, continued to impress after a 22-point debut in Cal’s opener. He added 12 points and nine rebounds against the Raiders, while Justin Pippen (Michigan transfer) nearly posted a double-double with 14 points, nine boards, and four assists. Chris Bell, in his first double-digit performance as a Golden Bear after transferring from Syracuse, chipped in 12 points and went a perfect 6-for-6 from the line.

A Game of Runs and Free Throws

Cal’s offensive rhythm built gradually. After trailing early, the Bears used defensive pressure and relentless rebounding to take a 34–28 halftime lead. Their ability to attack the basket made the difference—Cal went to the foul line 31 times, sinking 26, while Wright State managed just 18 attempts and converted 10.

The second half saw Cal’s shooting heat up to 52% from the floor. A 9–2 surge midway through gave the Bears a 15-point cushion, their largest lead of the night. But Wright State, behind freshman Michael Cooper’s sharpshooting, clawed back to within four points at 69–65 with under three minutes remaining. That’s when Ames calmly buried a deep three, followed by Pippen’s late free throws to close out the contest.

Wright State Shows Fight in Defeat

Despite the loss, the Raiders showcased their potential. Cooper led with 17 points, including three triples, while sophomore Dominic Pangonis added 11 off the bench and Michael Imariagbe contributed 10 before fouling out. Head coach Clint Sargent praised his team’s competitiveness but acknowledged discipline issues that cost them down the stretch.

“We fouled way too much,” Sargent said postgame. “Cal dictated the physicality, but I’m proud of our effort. It’s about learning how to sustain that energy for a full 40 minutes.”

Early Momentum for Cal

For Cal, the win marks another promising step in Madsen’s second year leading the program. The Bears dominated the boards 43–35 and held their opponent below 38% shooting. Four players reached double figures for the second straight game—evidence of balanced scoring and chemistry building quickly among newcomers.

Madsen now stands just one win away from his 100th career coaching victory, and the team appears eager to deliver it. Next, Cal hosts Cal State Fullerton on Monday before a tough road test at Kansas State later in the week.

Conclusion: A Foundation of Grit and Growth

The Golden Bears’ opening stretch has highlighted not only their talent but their poise. With new transfers blending seamlessly and clutch performances from emerging leaders like Ames and Pippen, Cal basketball is signaling a revival built on resilience, depth, and teamwork. As the season unfolds, the Bears’ growing confidence could turn early momentum into something much bigger—a resurgence of Cal basketball pride.

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