#1
#1 out of 3
sports1d ago
Cal Misses a Big Chance, Falls to Lowly Pitt in Home Finale
- Cal fell 72-56 at Haas Pavilion, denting its NCAA tournament hopes after a home finale loss to Pitt and underscoring the Bears' struggle to secure Quad 1/Quad 4 results.
- Pitt asserted control from the opening tip, extending its lead and avoiding a rally as Cal struggled to match energy.
- Cal shot poorly from deep (5-for-22) and did not reach the free-throw line in the first half, highlighting a lack of physical attack.
- Cal’s star trio (Pippen, Ames, Camden, Bell) combined for only 12 points on 5-for-14 shooting, reflecting limited offensive impact.
- Coach Mark Madsen criticized 'hero ball' and one-on-one play as factors in the loss, urging smarter ball movement.
- Dai Dai Ames led Cal with 11 points and Lee Dort added 10 points and six rebounds in a losing effort.
- Cal committed 12 first-half turnovers, which Pitt converted into comeback opportunities and a halftime deficit of 34-26.
- With nine games remaining in the regular season, Cal heads to Georgia Tech and Wake Forest, needing solid road wins to boost NCAA odds.
- Pitt coach Jeff Capel praised his team and stated Cal remains an NCAA tournament team, underscoring Cal’s competitive potential.
- ESPN Bracketology and CBS projections show Cal on the cusp of an at-large bid, depending on late-season results and conference tourneys.
- Overall, Cal remains alive in the NCAA equation despite the Pitt loss, but the timing and magnitude of the defeat complicate Selection Sunday considerations.
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