Home / Sports / Cal Shocks UNC in Upset Victory
Cal Shocks UNC in Upset Victory
18 Jan
Summary
- California secured an 84-78 win against No. 14 North Carolina.
- John Camden led Cal with 20 points, supported by 19 from Ames and Pippen.
- The Bears built a 20-point lead and withstood a late Tar Heel rally.
California achieved a notable victory on Saturday, upsetting No. 14 North Carolina with a final score of 84-78. John Camden led the charge for the Golden Bears with 20 points, complemented by strong performances from Dai Dai Ames and Justin Pippen, who each contributed 19 points. The team built a substantial 20-point advantage early in the second half.
The Bears' significant lead, which extended to 74-55 with just over eight minutes remaining, appeared to secure their win. However, North Carolina mounted a spirited comeback attempt. A crucial late three-pointer from Henri Veesar narrowed the deficit to three points in the final seconds, but Justin Pippen sealed the victory with two made free throws.
California's effective 3-point shooting was a key factor, as they made 14 of 26 attempts from beyond the arc, compared to North Carolina's 9 of 27. The announced crowd of 8,077 at Haas Pavilion included Justin Pippen's father, Basketball Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen. The Tar Heels, now 14-4, have lost two consecutive games.
