California forward Chris Bell (22) shoots a 3-point basket against Clemson forward RJ Godfrey (0) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Berkeley, Calif., Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)
California forward Chris Bell (22) shoots a 3-point basket against Clemson forward RJ Godfrey (0) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Berkeley, Calif., Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)
Cal moved into the second round of the men’s NIT with a 91-73 win over Illinois-Chicago Wednesday night fueled by hot 3-point shooting at Haas Pavilion.
Chris Bell scored a career-high 31 points to lead the Bears (22-11), including a sizzling seven 3-pointers on eight attempts. Justin Pippen chipped in 18 points, including 16 after halftime, and John Camden added 13. TT Carr led them with seven assists and Pippen had six to go with four steals.
Saint Joseph’s led throughout the first half before a late 9-0 run gave Cal a 39-35 lead at the break. Both teams shot 50% in the first half, but Cal’s offense found another level after halftime.
The Flames retook a 2-point lead early in the second half, only for the Bears to rip off a 16-5 scoring run to take the game’s first double-digit lead at 59-48. Bell scored the first nine points of the run before Dai Dai Ames made a 3 and Pippen hit two long balls of his own.
Cal’s lead never dipped below three points from there, making nine of 13 attempts from 3-point range after the halftime break and 16 of 25 shots overall. The Bears’ 15 made 3-pointers were a season high.
Rashund Washington Jr. led UIC with 15 points, while Elijah Crawford and Abdul Momoh each scored 14.
The Bears host Saint Joseph’s in the second round of the tournament Sunday at 6 p.m. Cal’s women host Santa Clara in Berkeley at 7 p.m. Thursday in the WBIT.
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