As Notre Dame prepares for their next challenge, the focus shifts to a critical matchup against California. Following their Atlantic Coast Conference opener against Stanford, which resulted in a loss, the Irish are looking to rebound and secure a much-needed conference victory. This upcoming clash against Cal, scheduled for Friday, January 2, represents both a historical precedent and a fresh opportunity for the team.
The game will take place at Haas Pavilion in Berkeley, California, with tip-off set for 11 p.m. ET. Fans can catch the action live on ESPN2 or tune into local broadcasts on 960 WSBT-AM in South Bend, as well as SiriusXM on ACC Radio. For those wishing to stream the game, options are available online.
Historically, Notre Dame holds an advantage over California, having won all three encounters, including a thrilling four-overtime victory last season where Markus Burton set a program record by scoring 43 points in an ACC game. With stakes high, both teams are eager to claim this confrontation.
California faces challenges of its own, having lost in their league opener against Louisville. The Golden Bears started the season strong with a home record of 11-0, although they struggled with attendance numbers. Rebuilding after a rocky season last year, where they saw significant roster turnover, Cal is under pressure to deliver results in a competitive ACC landscape.
Among the players to watch, Notre Dame’s Logan Imes has shown promising development this season. Averaging 4.2 points and contributing significant minutes in non-conference play, Imes is positioned to be a key player for the Irish against Cal. Meanwhile, California’s Justin Pippen, son of NBA legend Scottie Pippen, is making his presence known, averaging over 14 points and showing signs of versatility on the court.
This matchup serves as a crucial point in the season for both teams as Notre Dame looks to extend their ACC record and Cal seeks to turn their fortunes around. With intense competition defining the ACC landscape this season, every game counts towards the end-of-season playoff picture, making this game a pivotal moment for both teams as they continue their conference journeys.