![\"NCAA](\"https:\/\/images.deadspin.com\/tr:w-900\/28341357.jpg\")
Feb 25, 2026; Berkeley, California, USA; California Golden Bears forward John Camden (2) shoots the ball against SMU Mustangs guard B.J. Edwards (0) during the first half at Haas Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Robert Edwards-Imagn Images <\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\nJustin Pippen nailed a go-ahead 20-footer with 1:05 remaining, then capped a 24-point performance with four lead-protecting free throws in the final 18 seconds, allowing Cal to win a 20th game for the first time in nine years with a 73-69 victory over SMU on Wednesday night in Berkeley, Calif.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n After watching a late six-point lead turn into a one-point deficit thanks to two 3-pointers and a free throw by SMU’s Corey Washington, Cal was down by three inside of 2:00 before John Camden hit two free throws at the 1:39 mark.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n After Jaron Pierre Jr. misfired on a 3-point attempt for the Mustangs, the Golden Bears (20-8, 8-7 ACC) took the lead for good when Pippen, who had been just 7-for-18, drilled his perimeter jumper.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n Pippen’s subsequent free throws allowed Cal to win a third straight game and move into a tie with SMU (19-9, 8-7) for eighth place in the ACC.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n <\/p>\n Cal led 38-33 at the half and by as many as seven early in the second period before the teams exchanged leads six times.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n Pippen finished 2-for-10 on 3-pointers for the Golden Bears, who won despite getting outshot 45.5% to 40.0% overall and 38.1% to 28.1% from beyond the arc. The point guard also found time for a game-high five assists, four rebounds, three steals and a block.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n Chris Bell drilled four 3-pointers in eight tries on a 20-point night for Cal, Camden chipped in with 14 points and Lee Dort, returning from a seven-game absence, came off the bench to grab a game-high 10 rebounds.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n Seeking a 20th win for a third consecutive season, SMU was led by the 15-point efforts of Washington and Boopie Miller. Washington used three 3-pointers as a foundation for his total, while Pierre added 14 points and Samet Yigitoglu 11 to go with eight rebounds.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n Washington was the Mustangs’ leading rebounder with nine. SMU also outrebounded the hosts 44-33, but fell victim to 14 turnovers and poor foul shooting, going just 11-for-26. Yigitoglu made just one of his six foul shots.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n