The California Golden Bears improved their record to 1-0 after a decisive victory over the Columbia Lions, who now stand at 0-1. The final score of 74-56 reflected the Bears' dominance, particularly in the second half where they outscored the Lions by a significant margin.

Dec 21, 2025; Berkeley, California, USA; California Golden Bears guard Dai Dai Ames (7) looks to pass around Columbia Lions defenders Blair Thompson (3) and Miles Franklin (24) during the second half at Haas Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images

First Half

The first half saw both teams testing each other's defenses, but it was the California Golden Bears who took an early lead with a score of 28-16. The Bears showcased their defensive prowess with six blocks and seven steals, disrupting Columbia's offensive flow. Rytis Petraitis played a crucial role in maintaining this lead with his consistent performance on both ends of the court.

Second Half

In the second half, the Golden Bears intensified their offensive efforts, scoring an impressive 46 points compared to Columbia's 40. Dai Dai Ames stood out as a key player for California, contributing significantly to their scoring surge and demonstrating remarkable efficiency from both two-point and free throw ranges. His ability to navigate through Columbia's defense was instrumental in widening California's lead.

Dec 21, 2025; Berkeley, California, USA; California Golden Bears guard Dai Dai Ames (7) guards Columbia Lions guard Hampton Sanders (7) during the first half at Haas Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images

Key Moments

One of the pivotal moments came when Justin Pippen executed back-to-back three-pointers that shifted momentum firmly in favor of California. This sequence not only energized his teammates but also left Columbia scrambling defensively. The Lions struggled to counteract this shift despite making some adjustments during timeouts.

The game also highlighted strategic plays from John Camden and Lee Dort who combined for crucial rebounds that limited second-chance opportunities for Columbia. Their efforts were complemented by Nolan Dorsey's defensive contributions which included five rebounds and critical stops against fast breaks initiated by the Lions.

Dec 21, 2025; Berkeley, California, USA; California Golden Bears forward Chris Bell (22) shoots over Columbia Lions forward Blair Thompson (3) during the second half at Haas Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images

As part of post-game thoughts California Golden Bears fans can take pride in how effectively their team managed turnovers—only committing six compared to Columbia’s fifteen—which allowed them more possession time and control over game tempo.

Looking ahead, fans can anticipate another exciting matchup as California prepares to host Louisville Cardinals at Haas Pavilion on December 30th at 9:00 PM EST (6:00 PM PST). The game will be broadcasted live on ACC Network TV for those unable to attend in person.

Stay tuned for more updates on your favorite team’s journey this season! Share this article with fellow fans eager for insights into how these games unfold!

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