BERKELEY, Calif. (Interstat) — Dai Dai Ames scored 29 points to lead California to a 90-85 men’s basketball victory over Georgia Tech on Wednesday night at Haas Pavilion. The Golden Bears, now 17-6, used a 43-29 first-half cushion to withstand a fierce Yellow Jackets rally. Georgia Tech, which fell to 11-12, outscored California 56-47 after halftime but could not close the gap. Ames was pivotal, hitting key shots late. Akai Fleming led Georgia Tech with 19 points. California capitalized at the free-throw line, making 28 of 39 attempts, while Georgia Tech shot just 7 of 14. The Golden Bears also connected on 12 of 23 from 3-point range. Attendance was 6,018.

BERKELEY, Calif. (Interstat) — In a game defined by contrasting styles and a relentless second-half rally, the California Golden Bears held off a furious comeback attempt by the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets for a 90-85 victory in a nonconference men’s basketball game Wednesday night at Haas Pavilion. A crowd of 6,018 watched as California, improving to 17-6, built a commanding 14-point halftime lead behind efficient perimeter shooting and a parade to the free-throw line, only to see Georgia Tech, which fell to 11-12, storm back to take a brief lead in the second half before the Golden Bears sealed the win at the stripe. The most critical phase of the contest unfolded in the final minutes. After Georgia Tech guard Akai Fleming hit a 3-pointer to tie the game at 80 with just over two minutes remaining, California’s experience and composure proved decisive. The Golden Bears responded immediately, as Chris Bell answered with a 3-pointer of his own on the ensuing possession to reclaim an 83-80 lead. Georgia Tech had a chance to tie or take the lead on its next trip, but a missed layup by Fleming was followed by a crucial basket from California’s John Camden, who converted inside off a feed from Milos Ilic to push the lead to five. The Yellow Jackets would not get closer than three points the rest of the way as California closed the game by making seven of eight free throws in the final 37 seconds. Justin Pippen’s make with two seconds left provided the final margin. The game was a tale of two halves and two distinct approaches. California dominated the first half, taking a 43-29 lead into the break by shooting 7 for 13 from 3-point range and capitalizing on 14 free-throw attempts. Georgia Tech, meanwhile, struggled from deep, making just 2 of 13 first-half attempts from beyond the arc. The second half saw a dramatic reversal. The Yellow Jackets abandoned their perimeter-focused attack and relentlessly attacked the paint, scoring 40 of their 56 second-half points inside. A 17-4 run early in the period, fueled by this interior assault, erased the deficit and gave Georgia Tech a fleeting 61-60 lead. The Yellow Jackets finished with a dominant 48-16 advantage in points in the paint. California’s victory was anchored by guard Dai Dai Ames, who scored a game-high 29 points. Ames was efficient from all levels, shooting 10 for 17 from the field, including 3 for 6 from 3-point range, and added six free throws. He was supported by Camden’s 15 points and Bell’s 14, with Bell hitting four 3-pointers. The Golden Bears finished 12 for 23 from long distance as a team and were a decisive 28 for 39 from the free-throw line, attempting 25 more free throws than Georgia Tech. Georgia Tech’s comeback effort was led by Fleming, who scored 19 of his team-high 19 points in the second half. Chas Kelley added 15 points, while Jaeden Mustaf and Kam Craft each contributed 14. Baye Ndongo facilitated the offense with a career-high eight assists to go with 10 points. The Yellow Jackets shot just 34.3% in the first half but improved to 51.4% after halftime, finishing at 47.9% for the game. Despite the improved shooting and a significant 48-32 rebounding edge, Georgia Tech was undone by its 10-for-29 shooting from 3-point range and a 7-for-14 performance at the foul line. The Yellow Jackets also committed 14 turnovers, which California converted into 14 points. California’s offense operated with precision, committing only eight turnovers and dishing out 12 assists on 25 made field goals. Their ability to generate high-percentage shots from deep and draw fouls ultimately offset Georgia Tech’s overwhelming interior presence. The game was part of the ACC’s scheduling alliance. California will continue its homestand Saturday against Clemson. Georgia Tech continues its West Coast trip Saturday at Stanford.

BERKELEY, Calif. (Interstat) — The surging California Golden Bears will look to protect their home court and improve their NCAA Tournament resume when they host the struggling Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in an Atlantic Coast Conference men’s basketball matchup Wednesday night at Haas Pavilion. The Golden Bears (16-6) enter on a high note after a dramatic 86-85 road victory at Miami (Fla.) on Saturday, secured in the final seconds. They have won three of their last four, including notable victories over North Carolina and Stanford. California’s success has been fueled by the hot hand of forward John Camden, who is averaging 21.4 points over his last five games. He poured in 26 points in the win at Miami and had 25 in the victory at Stanford. Conversely, Georgia Tech (11-11) is mired in a difficult stretch, having lost six of its last seven games. The Yellow Jackets are coming off a 91-75 home loss to North Carolina this past Saturday. Despite the team’s struggles, forward Baye Ndongo has been a consistent bright spot. He scored 27 points with seven rebounds and four assists against the Tar Heels and is averaging 17.1 points and 6.3 rebounds over his last seven contests. The matchup pits California’s efficient offense, which has scored 78 or more points in three of its last four wins, against a Georgia Tech defense that has allowed an average of 82.1 points during its 1-6 skid. The Yellow Jackets will need to find answers on the perimeter, as their recent losses have seen opponents shoot effectively from distance. This game is the first of a regular-season home-and-home series between the teams, who will meet again in Atlanta on March 4. For California, currently near the top of the ACC standings, this contest represents a critical opportunity to hold serve at home against a team below them in the league. For Georgia Tech, it is a chance to halt its slide and score a pivotal road win against a quality opponent. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. PST Wednesday at Haas Pavilion.