Sat Jan 03 04:10:00 UTC 2026: Irish Hit the Road Again, Look to Shake Off Stanford, Conquer Cal
SOUTH BEND, IN – Notre Dame Men’s Basketball embarks on another road test, this time heading to California to face the Cal Golden Bears Friday. The Irish, fresh off their ACC opener against Stanford earlier in the week, are looking to quickly refocus and secure their first conference road win of the season.
This marks Notre Dame’s inaugural visit to Cal. The Bears, who are coming off a conference opener against Louisville, are looking to establish themselves in ACC play despite a near-total roster overhaul, with 11 of 14 players departing from last season’s squad.
The teams’ previous encounter was an instant classic, a thrilling four-overtime affair at Purcell Pavilion that saw the Irish emerge victorious, 112-110. Markus Burton exploded for a program-best 43 points, including 21 in overtime.
Notre Dame aims to start ACC play 2-0 for the first time since the 2017-18 season.
While Cal may be somewhat of an unknown quantity, with a league-low home attendance despite an 11-0 home record, the team is anchored by guard Scottie Pippen Jr. The son of the NBA Hall of Famer is averaging a team-high 14.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 4.2 assists, making him a player the Irish will need to contain.
Meanwhile, keep an eye on junior guard Logan Imes.
First Piper 