Pittsburgh Panthers vs California Golden Bears Picks and Predictions January 1st 2025

Cal kicks off inaugural ACC road trip at Pittsburgh

California Golden Bears basketball team embarks on its first Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) road trip, facing off against the Pittsburgh Panthers on Wednesday afternoon. This marks a historic moment for Cal as it settles into its new home in one of college basketball’s most storied conferences.

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Cal’s New Chapter in the ACC

The Golden Bears (7-5, 0-1 ACC) opened their ACC journey with a narrow home loss to Stanford, a former Pac-12 rival, in December. While that game lacked the feel of a true ACC matchup, Wednesday’s contest at Pittsburgh promises to test Cal’s resilience against a proven opponent on the East Coast.

Despite a recent 1-4 slump following a promising 6-1 start, head coach Mark Madsen remains optimistic about his team’s trajectory. Last season, injuries derailed Cal’s momentum early, but this year’s roster boasts greater depth and potential.

“We had kind of a rash of injuries in the non-conference last year and then after that we struggled in some of those one-possession games because guys got worn down,” Madsen said. “We have much more depth this year.”

One example of that depth is the return of guard DJ Campbell, who missed six of seven games due to injury. In his first game back, he played 20 minutes and contributed seven points during Cal’s 71-50 loss to No. 23 San Diego State on Dec. 21. His presence is expected to bolster Cal’s efforts on both ends of the court.

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Pittsburgh: A Tournament-Worthy Opponent

The Panthers (10-2, 1-0 ACC) are no strangers to high-stakes competition. With marquee wins over West Virginia, LSU, and Ohio State, they’ve demonstrated the kind of form that makes them a strong NCAA Tournament contender. Their ACC campaign began with a gritty 64-59 victory over Virginia Tech, highlighting their ability to win in tough environments.

Pitt’s offensive prowess is driven by the dynamic backcourt duo of Ishmael Leggett and Jaland Lowe. However, forward Zack Austin has emerged as a critical piece for the Panthers. After a game-winning shot against Ohio State earned him a spot in the starting lineup, Austin has flourished, posting 23 points in Pitt’s Dec. 21 victory over Sam Houston.

“We’ve been building chemistry all season, and now it’s coming together,” Austin said after his latest performance. His matchup against Cal’s standout player Andrej Stojakovic will be a focal point in the game.

Key Matchups and Strategies

Andrej Stojakovic vs. Zack Austin

Stojakovic leads Cal’s offense, but Pitt’s defense, anchored by Austin, will look to neutralize his impact. Both players are versatile and dynamic, making this matchup critical to the game’s outcome.

DJ Campbell’s Return

With Campbell back in the lineup, Cal gains a reliable scorer and perimeter defender. His ability to limit Pitt’s guard tandem of Leggett and Lowe could determine the game’s pace.

Depth vs. Consistency

While Cal boasts improved roster depth this season, Pitt’s consistency, especially in tight games, gives them an edge. The Golden Bears will need to play with precision and discipline to counter the Panthers’ experience.

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Game Preview: What’s at Stake

For Cal, this game represents more than just a chance to break their losing streak; it’s an opportunity to prove their mettle in the ACC. A win on the road would solidify their standing as a competitive newcomer in the league.

For Pitt, a victory would extend their winning streak and reinforce their position as a top-tier ACC team. Their tournament aspirations hinge on maintaining momentum through these midseason matchups.

“This isn’t just another game,” Pitt’s Jaland Lowe remarked. “Cal’s got a lot of talent, and they didn’t come here just to participate. They came to compete.”

Prediction and Final Thoughts

The game promises to be a clash of styles: Cal’s developing chemistry and depth against Pitt’s polished execution and star power. While Pitt enters as the favorite, the Golden Bears have the tools to challenge the Panthers, especially if their defense can disrupt Pitt’s rhythm.

Regardless of the outcome, this game symbolizes the start of an exciting new era for Cal basketball in the ACC. For fans, it’s a must-watch encounter that showcases the spirit of competition and the potential for underdogs to shine.