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Cal Basketball Falls Short Against Wake Forest
Dai Dai Ames scores career-high 31 points, but Bears lose 80-73 in regular season finale
Published on Mar. 8, 2026
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The California men's basketball team fell 80-73 to Wake Forest in their final regular season game, despite leading by 15 points in the first half. Dai Dai Ames scored a career-high 31 points for the Golden Bears, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Demon Deacons. Cal finishes the regular season 21-10 overall and 9-9 in ACC play, earning the No. 9 seed in the upcoming ACC Tournament.
Why it matters
The loss ends Cal's regular season on a sour note, but the Bears have secured a spot in the ACC Tournament where they will look to make a run. Dai Dai Ames' career performance was a bright spot, as the junior guard continues to emerge as a star for the program.
The details
Cal jumped out to a 37-29 halftime lead, but Wake Forest mounted a 14-0 run in the second half to take control of the game. The Bears shot just 35.6% overall and were outrebounded 45-29. In addition to Ames' 31 points, Justin Pippen scored 17 for Cal. Wake Forest also had a 31-point scorer in Juke Harris, who added 15 rebounds.
- Cal led 37-29 at halftime.
- Wake Forest went on a 14-0 run in the second half to take a 58-45 lead with 9:25 remaining.
The players
Dai Dai Ames
A junior guard for the California men's basketball team who scored a career-high 31 points in the loss to Wake Forest.
Justin Pippen
A player for the California men's basketball team who scored 17 points in the loss to Wake Forest.
Juke Harris
A player for the Wake Forest men's basketball team who scored 31 points and grabbed 15 rebounds in the win over California.
Mekhi Mason
A player for the Wake Forest men's basketball team who scored 10 points in the win over California.
Omaha Biliew
A player for the Wake Forest men's basketball team who scored 10 points in the win over California.
What they’re saying
“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”
— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)
What’s next
Cal has secured the No. 9 seed in the upcoming ACC Tournament, which runs March 10-14 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Bears will have a first-round bye and open competition in the second round on March 11 against No. 8 seed Florida State.
The takeaway
Despite the disappointing end to the regular season, Cal can take solace in Dai Dai Ames' breakout performance and the opportunity to make a run in the ACC Tournament. The Bears will look to regroup and make the most of their postseason opportunity.
