California Golden Bears Defeat Presbyterian with Strong Finish

The California Golden Bears secured a decisive victory against the Presbyterian Blue Hose, winning 67-57 on November 14, 2023. John Camden led the charge for California, scoring a total of 20 points and contributing significantly to the team’s performance in the second half.

California, playing at home in Berkeley, took control of the game with approximately 12 minutes remaining in the second half. The Golden Bears improved their season record to 4-1 following their recent loss to Kansas State, where they fell 99-96. Overall, California shot an impressive 51% from the field during the game.

Strong Performances from Key Players

Camden’s shooting was notably effective, as he went 6 of 12 from the floor and 6 of 7 from the free-throw line. Lee Dort also made a substantial impact, scoring 15 points on 7-of-9 shooting while securing eight rebounds. Chris Bell added 14 points, rounding out a strong offensive effort from the Golden Bears.

Despite trailing 31-29 at halftime, Presbyterian began the second half with renewed energy. They tied the game early with a quick basket and briefly took a lead through a 3-pointer by Carl Parrish, making the score 34-33. Parrish continued his offensive push, hitting another three to give Presbyterian its last lead at 44-43 with 12:17 left on the clock.

Turning Point and Final Stages of the Match

The Golden Bears responded swiftly. Dai Dai Ames and Camden each hit a three-pointer, igniting a critical 10-2 run that put California ahead 53-46. Presbyterian managed to narrow the gap to 53-51 with just over six minutes remaining, but they could not regain the lead, as California maintained their composure and control of the game.

Parrish led Presbyterian with 16 points, making five 3-pointers, while teammates Triston Wilson and Jonah Pierce contributed 13 points each. This matchup marked the first meeting between the two teams, providing an exciting contest for fans.

Looking ahead, Presbyterian will face a tough challenge as they play against the No. 19 UCLA Bruins on Friday. Meanwhile, California will host Sacramento State before heading to the Chase Center in San Francisco for a game against UCLA on November 25, 2023.

The victory not only highlighted California’s resilience but also set the stage for upcoming challenges as both teams continue their seasons.