The California Golden Bears are making a triumphant return to postseason play, marking their first appearance since 2017 in the National Invitation Tournament (NIT). Announced on Sunday, Cal is set to host UIC in the opening round at Haas Pavilion, with tip-off scheduled for 8 p.m.
PT on Wednesday, March 18. The winner of this matchup will advance to face the victor between Colorado State and Saint Joseph's on Sunday, March 22.
Under the leadership of third-year head coach Mark Madsen, the Bears have made significant progress this season. With a 21-11 record, Cal has achieved its first 20-win season since 2017, finishing ninth in the competitive 18-team Atlantic Coast Conference.
The Bears boast a balanced attack, with four players averaging double digits in scoring and five players ranked in the top 100 nationally across various statistical categories. Standout performer Dai Dai Ames earned a spot on the All-ACC Third Team, while Justin Pippen, the team's leader in assists and steals, received All-ACC Honorable Mention.
Cal has the opportunity to host up to three rounds of the 32-team NIT tournament at Haas Pavilion. Should they advance, the NIT semifinals and final will be held in Indianapolis, with the semifinals at Butler's Hinkle Fieldhouse and the championship game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, home to the Indiana Pacers and Fever.
NIT Highlights
- This marks Cal's 10th appearance in the NIT, with a historical record of 13-8 in their previous nine tournaments.
- The Bears' last postseason run was in the 2017 NIT, where they faced a first-round exit in Berkeley.
- Cal celebrated an NIT Championship victory back in 1999.
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