What's Happening?
The California Golden Bears men's basketball team secured a victory against Illinois-Chicago with a score of 91-73 in the first round of the 2026 National Invitation Tournament (NIT). The game took place at Cal's Haas Pavilion, marking the Bears' first national
postseason tournament game since 2017. Chris Bell led the team with a career-high 31 points, including seven three-pointers. The Bears' performance was bolstered by Justin Pippen, who scored all 18 of his points in the second half. Cal's victory was characterized by their impressive three-point shooting, making 15 of 28 attempts. The win improved Cal's season record to 22-11, while Illinois-Chicago fell to 19-16. The Bears will face Saint Joseph's in the second round, following Saint Joseph's victory over Colorado State.
Why It's Important?
This victory is significant for the California Golden Bears as it marks their first postseason win since 2014, potentially serving as a catalyst for future success. The team's performance in the NIT could help retain key players and build momentum for the next season. For Illinois-Chicago, the loss ends their postseason run, highlighting the challenges faced by teams from smaller conferences when competing against Power Five schools. The game also underscores the importance of three-point shooting in modern basketball, as Cal's long-range accuracy was a decisive factor in their win.
What's Next?
The California Golden Bears will host Saint Joseph's in the second round of the NIT at Haas Pavilion. The outcome of this game will determine whether Cal can continue their postseason journey and potentially use this tournament as a springboard for future success. Coach Mark Madsen expressed optimism about retaining key players for the next season, which could strengthen the team's prospects. The upcoming game will test Cal's ability to maintain their shooting accuracy and defensive strategies against a new opponent.
