Cal Aims to Avoid NCAA Tournament Resume Pitfall vs. Georgia Tech

Golden Bears look to build on recent big wins as they host struggling Yellow Jackets

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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The California Golden Bears, riding the momentum of recent upsets over ranked opponents, will host the struggling Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in a key ACC matchup. Cal is looking to solidify its NCAA Tournament resume, while Georgia Tech hopes to get its season back on track behind a big game from star center Baye Ndongo.

Why it matters

This game is crucial for Cal's NCAA Tournament hopes, as the Golden Bears aim to build on their recent signature wins and avoid a potential resume-damaging loss against a Georgia Tech team that has struggled in conference play. For the Yellow Jackets, this is an opportunity to get a quality road win and potentially turn their season around.

The details

Cal has won three of its last four games, including impressive victories over then-No. 14 North Carolina and Miami (Fla.). The Golden Bears are now being discussed as an NCAA Tournament bubble team as they pursue their first Big Dance appearance since 2016. Georgia Tech, on the other hand, has lost six of its last seven games and is looking to get a big performance from star center Baye Ndongo, who had 26 points and 13 rebounds in last year's meeting with Cal.

  • Cal and Georgia Tech first met as ACC foes last February, with the Yellow Jackets winning 90-88 in overtime.
  • The teams will face off again on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 in Berkeley, California.

The players

Mark Madsen

The head coach of the California Golden Bears, who is hoping to lead his team to its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2016.

Damon Stoudamire

The head coach of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, who is looking to get his team back on track after a recent string of losses.

Baye Ndongo

The star center for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, who had a dominant performance against Cal in last year's meeting.

DK Dut

A seldom-used big man for the California Golden Bears who made a key impact in their recent win over Miami (Fla.).

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What they’re saying

“We're hoping for a nice, long postseason opportunity. But we have to focus on the present right now. Our message is ... focus everything on recovery, on preparation, on film, on exerting every ounce of energy on practice and the games.”

— Mark Madsen, Head Coach, California Golden Bears (statenews.net)

“We just have to be better in our decision-making. ... You can't have live-ball turnovers. That's a killer. It's like a pick-six in football. You know what I mean? It's draining.”

— Damon Stoudamire, Head Coach, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (statenews.net)

What’s next

The winner of this game will take a significant step towards securing an NCAA Tournament berth, while the loser will face an uphill battle to make the Big Dance.

The takeaway

This matchup between two teams heading in opposite directions in the ACC standings will have major implications for their respective NCAA Tournament hopes. Cal is looking to build on its recent signature wins and solidify its place on the bubble, while Georgia Tech is desperate for a quality road victory to turn its season around.