California Holds Off Georgia Tech 90-85 Behind Dai Dai Ames' 29 Points

California's Dai Dai Ames stole the show at Haas Pavilion, scoring 29 points to lead the Golden Bears to a 90-85 victory over Georgia Tech. The win marked California's 17th of the season, improving their record to 17-6. Despite being predicted to win by 9.5 points by CHD Scout, California found themselves in a tightly contested matchup, ultimately emerging with a hard-fought five-point victory.

The first half belonged to California, as they built a 43-29 lead behind Ames' 15 points. However, Georgia Tech refused to back down, mounting a furious comeback in the second half. Led by Akai Fleming's 19 points and 5 rebounds, the Yellow Jackets outscored California 56-47 in the final 20 minutes. Fleming's performance was complemented by Chas Kelley III and Kam Craft, who added 15 and 14 points, respectively. Despite their best efforts, Georgia Tech was unable to overcome the deficit, falling short in their bid to upset the Golden Bears.

California's supporting cast played a crucial role in the win, with John Camden and Chris Bell chipping in 15 and 14 points, respectively. The Golden Bears' balanced attack proved too much for Georgia Tech to handle, as they shot 47% from the field and 38% from three-point range. California's ability to maintain a high level of intensity on both ends of the floor ultimately paid off, as they secured a crucial non-conference victory.

The win was significant for California, as it marked a Quadrant 3 victory for the Golden Bears. According to CHD Scout's predictions, California was expected to win by 9.5 points, and while they didn't cover the spread, they still won. The victory will undoubtedly boost California's resume, particularly given the quality of their performance. On the other hand, the loss was a Quadrant 1 opportunity for Georgia Tech, which could have significantly enhanced their tournament chances. Instead, the Yellow Jackets fell to 11-12 on the season, with their Net ranking sitting at 143.

As the season enters its final stretch, California's win over Georgia Tech will be a valuable addition to their tournament resume. With a strong record and a few notable victories, the Golden Bears are positioning themselves for a potential NCAA Tournament berth. While there is still work to be done, California's performance against Georgia Tech suggests they have the talent and depth to make a deep run in the postseason. The Golden Bears want to build on this momentum as they continue their push towards the tournament, while Georgia Tech will aim to regroup and refocus in their pursuit of a spot in the Big Dance.