California Golden Bears Edge Miami Hurricanes in Thrilling Finish
Saturday, January 31, 2026, 4:00 PM ET · Watsco Center
California Golden Bears 86, Miami Hurricanes 85, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won California Golden Bears vs Miami Hurricanes?
California Golden Bears beat Miami Hurricanes 86-85 at Watsco Center on January 31, 2026.
Who was favored in California Golden Bears vs Miami Hurricanes?
Miami Hurricanes were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -700 (about 88% implied). The underdog won.
In a nail-biting conclusion, the California Golden Bears triumphed over the Miami Hurricanes with a final score of 86-85 at the Watsco Center. This game was particularly noteworthy as it marked the second meeting between these two teams, with California avenging their previous loss to Miami in January 2025, when they fell 94-98. The Golden Bears' victory not only highlights their resilience but also underscores the competitive nature of college basketball.
Entering this matchup, both teams had strong records, with Miami boasting a home record of 17-5 and California holding a 16-6 record overall. Miami had been performing well at home, with an 8-2 record in their last ten games, including a two-game winning streak. They averaged 81.8 points scored while allowing 72.4 points during this stretch. Their recent victories included a win against Stanford Cardinal on January 29, where they secured a 79-70 victory, and an away win against Syracuse Orange, finishing 85-76.
On the other hand, California's form was less consistent, with a 5-5 record in their last ten games and currently on a one-game losing streak. They averaged 72.7 points scored and allowed 70.7 points during this period. Their most recent game ended in a narrow defeat against Florida State Seminoles, where they lost 61-63. However, they did manage to secure a win against Stanford on January 25, winning 78-66, showcasing their capability to compete against strong opponents.
The game was played under competitive conditions, with Miami entering as 11.5-point favorites according to DraftKings, who also set the total points line at 148.5. The betting odds reflected Miami's strong home performance, but California's recent form suggested a potential for an upset. The Golden Bears' money line was set at +500, while Miami's was at -700, indicating a significant expectation of a Miami victory.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details on player availability for either team, but such factors often play a crucial role in the outcome of games at this level. Fans and analysts alike would have been keen to observe the performance of key players from both sides, particularly in a game where every point mattered.
The contest itself was thrilling, characterized by a series of lead changes and clutch plays. In the second half, the tension escalated as both teams exchanged baskets. Notable moments included Dai Dai Ames making a crucial three-point jumper, putting California ahead 82-81, and Malik Reneau's subsequent free throw that briefly restored Miami's lead to 85-84. However, Dhiaukuei Manyiel Dut's layup sealed the game for California, marking a significant moment in their season.
Overall, this game not only showcased the competitive spirit of college basketball but also highlighted the unpredictable nature of the sport. With both teams demonstrating skill and determination, the final score reflects the closely contested battle that unfolded on the court.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | MIA -11.5 | 148.5 o -112 / u -108 | California Golden Bears +500 · Miami Hurricanes -700 |
Leaders
- PointsMalik Reneau24Miami Hurricanes
- AssistsTre Donaldson5Miami Hurricanes
- ReboundsErnest Udeh Jr.7Miami Hurricanes
- PointsJohn Camden26California Golden Bears
- AssistsJustin Pippen8California Golden Bears
- ReboundsJustin Pippen4California Golden Bears
Recent form
Miami Hurricanes
Last 10: 8-2Streak W281.8 scored · 72.4 allowed per game5-1 at home
- W79-70vs Stanford CardinalJan 29
- W85-76at Syracuse OrangeJan 24
- L63-65vs Florida State SeminolesJan 21
- L59-69at Clemson TigersJan 17
- W81-69at Notre Dame Fighting IrishJan 14
- W91-81vs Georgia Tech Yellow JacketsJan 10
- W81-77at Wake Forest Demon DeaconsJan 8
- W76-69vs Pittsburgh PanthersDec 31
- W105-67vs North Florida OspreysDec 21
- W98-81vs Florida International PanthersDec 17
California Golden Bears
Last 10: 5-5Streak L172.7 scored · 70.7 allowed per game1-3 away
- L61-63at Florida State SeminolesJan 29
- W78-66at Stanford CardinalJan 25
- W84-78vs North Carolina Tar HeelsJan 17
- L56-71vs Duke Blue DevilsJan 15
- L75-78at Virginia Tech HokiesJan 10
- L60-84at Virginia CavaliersJan 8
- W72-71vs Notre Dame Fighting IrishJan 3
- L70-90vs Louisville CardinalsDec 31
- W74-56vs Columbia LionsDec 21
- W97-50vs Morgan State BearsDec 20
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duke | 35-3 | - | 17-1 |
| Virginia | 30-6 | 2 | 15-3 |
| Miami | 26-9 | 4 | 13-5 |
| North Carolina | 24-9 | 5 | 12-6 |
| Clemson | 24-11 | 5 | 12-6 |
| Louisville | 24-11 | 6 | 11-7 |
| NC State | 20-14 | 7 | 10-8 |
| Florida State | 18-15 | 7 | 10-8 |
| California | 22-12 | 8 | 9-9 |
| Stanford | 20-13 | 8 | 9-9 |
| Virginia Tech | 19-13 | 9 | 8-10 |
| SMU | 20-14 | 9 | 8-10 |
| Wake Forest | 18-17 | 10 | 7-11 |
| Syracuse | 15-17 | 11 | 6-12 |
| Pittsburgh | 13-20 | 12 | 5-13 |
| Notre Dame | 13-18 | 13 | 4-14 |
| Boston College | 11-20 | 13 | 4-14 |
| Georgia Tech | 11-20 | 15 | 2-16 |
Box score
| Stat | California Golden Bears | Miami Hurricanes |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 26-53 | 29-51 |
| Field goal % | 49 | 57 |
| Three-pointers | 10-23 | 4-12 |
| Three-point % | 43 | 33 |
| Free throws | 24-32 | 23-33 |
| Free throw % | 75 | 70 |
| Rebounds | 28 | 32 |
| Offensive rebounds | 7 | 7 |
| Defensive rebounds | 21 | 25 |
| Assists | 16 | 14 |
| Steals | 4 | 3 |
| Blocks | 3 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 7 | 7 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 15 | 10 |
| Fast-break points | 0 | 2 |
| Points in the paint | 26 | 48 |
| Fouls | 24 | 20 |
| Largest lead | 7 | 11 |
| Lead changes | 14 | 14 |
| Time in front | 36 | 54 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half53-58Malik Reneau makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half56-58John Camden makes 24-foot three point jumper (Dai Dai Ames assists)
- 2nd Half56-60Dante Allen makes driving layup
- 2nd Half58-60Dai Dai Ames makes 17-foot jumper
- 2nd Half58-62Malik Reneau makes 2-foot dunk (Tre Donaldson assists)
- 2nd Half58-64Shelton Henderson makes 7-foot jumper
- 2nd Half60-64Semetri Carr makes layup (John Camden assists)
- 2nd Half61-64Semetri Carr makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half61-65Malik Reneau makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half61-66Malik Reneau makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half61-68Tre Donaldson makes driving layup
- 2nd Half61-70Ernest Udeh Jr. makes layup (Tre Donaldson assists)
- 2nd Half61-72Malik Reneau makes layup (Tre Donaldson assists)
- 2nd Half63-72Chris Bell makes layup
- 2nd Half63-74Malik Reneau makes layup
- 2nd Half66-74Justin Pippen makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half66-75Dante Allen makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half67-75Chris Bell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half68-75Chris Bell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half68-76Dante Allen makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half69-76Chris Bell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half70-76Chris Bell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half70-78Timotej Malovec makes layup (Tre Donaldson assists)
- 2nd Half71-78John Camden makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half72-78Dai Dai Ames makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half73-78Dai Dai Ames makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half75-78Milos Ilic makes 2-foot dunk (Justin Pippen assists)
- 2nd Half75-79Ernest Udeh Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half77-79Justin Pippen makes driving layup
- 2nd Half77-80Ernest Udeh Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half77-81Ernest Udeh Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half78-81Dai Dai Ames makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half79-81Dai Dai Ames makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half82-81Dai Dai Ames makes 23-foot three point jumper (Justin Pippen assists)
- 2nd Half82-82Malik Reneau makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half83-82Justin Pippen makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half84-82Justin Pippen makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half84-84Malik Reneau makes layup
- 2nd Half84-85Malik Reneau makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half86-85Dhiaukuei Manyiel Dut makes layup
Win probability
Above the line favours Miami Hurricanes, below favours California Golden Bears.
Venue
- Watsco CenterCoral Gables, FL
- Attendance6513
- OfficialsTony Henderson, Isaac Barnett, Adam Flore
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond