The California men's basketball team faced a heartbreaking end to their season, losing 76-75 to Saint Joseph's in the NIT Second Round. After establishing a 19-point lead in the second half, Cal allowed the Hawks to rally, with a decisive three-pointer sealing their fate. This loss wraps up Cal's season at 22-12, marking their first postseason trip since 2017. Saint Joseph's advances to the NIT Quarterfinals with a 24-11 record. Head coach Mark Madsen expressed pride in the team's performance despite the disappointment.

By the Numbers
  • Cal shot 41.8% overall; St. Joseph's finished at 44.1%.
  • Chris Bell led Cal with 23 points, his 10th game with 20+ points this season.
State of Play
  • Cal led by 14 points with eight minutes remaining, showcasing dominant play initially.
  • The Bears converted seven three-pointers in the first half, leading to a 41-33 halftime score.
What's Next

Looking ahead, Cal will aim to build on this season's success as they develop younger talent and look to secure a stronger postseason run next year. The focus will likely be on retaining key players and enhancing recruitment strategies.

Bottom Line

Despite the loss, Cal made significant strides this season, achieving their most wins since 2015 and providing hope for a promising future. The team's resilience and improvement mark a foundational year for the program as they seek to solidify their competitiveness in coming seasons.