Cal Faces UIC in NIT Clash

Bears and Flames seek postseason success after missing NCAA Tournament

Mar. 17, 2026 at 6:10pm

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The Cal Bears and Illinois-Chicago Flames will meet in the first round of the NIT on Wednesday night in Berkeley, California. Both teams failed to make the NCAA Tournament, but are looking to make the most of their NIT opportunity. Cal is led by guards Dai Dai Ames and Justin Pippen, while UIC is paced by Elijah Crawford and Ahmad Henderson II.

Why it matters

This matchup features two programs that have not seen much postseason action in recent years. The NIT berth is a chance for both teams to gain valuable experience and momentum heading into next season.

The details

Cal finished in the middle of the pack in the ACC, which sent eight teams to the NCAA Tournament. This will be the Bears' first postseason appearance since the 2017 NIT. UIC is making its first postseason appearance in 22 years, with its last NIT berth coming 23 years ago.

  • The Cal-UIC game will take place on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.
  • The winner will face the winner of Saint Joseph's and Colorado State in the next round.

The players

Dai Dai Ames

Cal's leading scorer, averaging 17.2 points per game while shooting 46.6% from the field and 38.1% from 3-point range.

Justin Pippen

Cal's second-leading scorer at 14.3 points per game and the team's assists leader with 4.5 per game.

Elijah Crawford

UIC's leading scorer, averaging 14.1 points per game.

Ahmad Henderson II

UIC's second-leading scorer, averaging 12.1 points per game.

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What they’re saying

“We came up short. So there's a natural human nature letdown for a moment. All that being said, we have extremely lofty goals for this program. This is not the end. It's going to take work. ... But a lot of great things ahead for Cal.”

— Mark Madsen, Cal Head Coach

“(The NIT berth) is a testament to all the hard work our guys put in this season, and it's a chance to take the next step in our journey growing and building our program. We're looking forward to the opportunity to compete and represent UIC on the national stage.”

— Rob Ehsan, UIC Head Coach

What’s next

The winner of the Cal-UIC game will face the winner of Saint Joseph's and Colorado State in the next round of the NIT.

The takeaway

This NIT matchup provides an opportunity for both Cal and UIC to build momentum and experience for their programs, which have not seen much postseason success in recent years. The Bears and Flames will look to make the most of their chance to compete on the national stage.