Ames' Clutch Performance Secures Narrow Win for California

In a thrilling matchup, Dai Dai Ames showcased his skills and determination, leading California to a narrow 72-71 victory over Notre Dame. Ames, a junior, was the standout player, scoring 18 of his 23 points in the second half alone. His performance included a crucial four-point play with just five seconds left on the clock, sealing the win for the Golden Bears. The game was intense from the start, with both teams displaying strong offensive and defensive strategies. Ames' three-pointer with 11 seconds remaining was a pivotal moment, cutting Notre Dame's lead to just one point. Throughout the game, Ames made 9 out of 16 shots, including 4 three-pointers, demonstrating his accuracy and composure under pressure. Supporting Ames were Chris Bell and Justin Pippen, who scored 15 and 14 points respectively. Lee Dort contributed significantly on the defensive end with 11 rebounds. The Golden Bears' teamwork and resilience were evident as they rallied from a deficit to secure the victory.On the other side, Braeden Shrewsberry led the Fighting Irish with 21 points, including five three-pointers. Jalen Haralson added 17 points, and Cole Certa, coming off the bench, scored 16 points with three three-pointers. Carson Towt was a force on the boards with 15 rebounds and eight points. Despite their efforts, the Fighting Irish fell short in the end. The first half saw Notre Dame taking an early lead, with Certa's three-pointer giving them a 25-13 advantage. However, California fought back, with Pippen's three-pointer sparking a 17-11 run to start the second half, giving the Bears their first lead since early in the game. The game was a testament to the competitive nature of the Atlantic Coast Conference, with both teams showcasing their strengths. The previous matchup between these teams in March had gone into four overtimes, ending with a 112-110 victory for Notre Dame. This latest encounter was no less exciting, keeping fans on the edge of their seats until the final seconds. Looking ahead, California will face No. 21 Virginia on Wednesday, while Notre Dame will host Clemson on Jan. 10. Both teams will look to build on their performances and continue their strong starts to the conference season.