California Golden Bears Edge SMU Mustangs in Close Contest
Wednesday, February 25, 2026, 10:00 PM ET · Haas Pavilion
California Golden Bears 73, SMU Mustangs 69, 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 SMU Mustangs vs California Golden Bears?
California Golden Bears beat SMU Mustangs 73-69 at Haas Pavilion on February 25, 2026.
Who was favored in SMU Mustangs vs California Golden Bears?
SMU Mustangs were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -192 (about 66% implied). The underdog won.
In a tightly contested matchup, the California Golden Bears defeated the SMU Mustangs 73-69 at Haas Pavilion. This victory marks a significant achievement for the Golden Bears, who had previously struggled against the Mustangs, losing both of their prior meetings in the 2025 season. The win improves California's home record to 21-8 and adds to their current two-game winning streak.
The Golden Bears entered the game with a home record of 20-8 and a recent form of 6-4 over their last ten games, averaging 76.8 points scored while allowing 77.3 points. Their last five games had shown a slight dip in performance, with an average of 80.6 points scored and 82.0 points allowed. They had secured victories against Stanford Cardinal and Boston College Eagles, but also faced defeats against Syracuse Orange and Clemson Tigers. In their last home game, they defeated Stanford 72-66, showcasing their ability to perform well at home.
On the other side, the Mustangs came into the game with a record of 19-9, also showing a 6-4 performance over their last ten games, with an impressive scoring average of 84.1 points and 78.5 points allowed. Their recent form included back-to-back wins against Boston College Eagles and Louisville Cardinals, where they scored 94 and 95 points, respectively. However, they had also faced some challenges, including a narrow loss to Syracuse Orange. SMU's away record was 2-2 in their last four games, indicating some inconsistency on the road.
The matchup was closely monitored by the betting market, with DraftKings setting the odds at SMU -4.5, suggesting a competitive game. The total was set at 163.5, reflecting expectations for a high-scoring affair given both teams' offensive capabilities.
In terms of injuries, the block does not specify any significant absences for either team, allowing both squads to field their key players. This contributed to the intensity of the game, as both teams were able to utilize their full rosters.
The conditions at Haas Pavilion were conducive to basketball, with no adverse weather reported, allowing fans to enjoy the game in a vibrant atmosphere. Viewers were treated to a thrilling contest, with several key moments that highlighted the skills of both teams. Justin Pippen emerged as a standout player, contributing crucial points in the second half, including a 20-foot pullup jump shot that brought the score to 68-67 in favor of California. His performance at the free-throw line was also pivotal, as he converted multiple free throws down the stretch to secure the win.
Overall, this game showcased the competitive spirit of both teams, with California managing to turn the tide against a previously dominant SMU squad. The Golden Bears' ability to capitalize on their home advantage and their recent form will be crucial as they look to build on this victory in the coming games.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | SMU -4.5 | 163.5 o -112 / u -108 | SMU Mustangs -192 · California Golden Bears +160 |
Leaders
- PointsJustin Pippen24California Golden Bears
- AssistsJustin Pippen5California Golden Bears
- ReboundsLee Dort10California Golden Bears
- PointsCorey Washington15SMU Mustangs
- AssistsBoopie Miller4SMU Mustangs
- ReboundsCorey Washington9SMU Mustangs
Recent form
California Golden Bears
Last 10: 6-4Streak W276.8 scored · 77.3 allowed per game3-2 at home
- W72-66vs Stanford CardinalFeb 21
- W86-75at Boston College EaglesFeb 14
- L100-107at Syracuse OrangeFeb 12
- L55-77vs Clemson TigersFeb 8
- W90-85vs Georgia Tech Yellow JacketsFeb 5
- W86-85at Miami HurricanesJan 31
- L61-63at Florida State SeminolesJan 29
- W78-66at Stanford CardinalJan 25
- W84-78vs North Carolina Tar HeelsJan 17
- L56-71vs Duke Blue DevilsJan 15
SMU Mustangs
Last 10: 6-4Streak W284.1 scored · 78.5 allowed per game2-2 away
- W94-70vs Boston College EaglesFeb 21
- W95-85vs Louisville CardinalsFeb 18
- L78-79at Syracuse OrangeFeb 14
- W89-81vs Notre Dame Fighting IrishFeb 11
- W86-67at Pittsburgh PanthersFeb 7
- L83-84vs NC State WolfpackFeb 4
- L74-88at Louisville CardinalsJan 31
- W83-80vs Florida State SeminolesJan 24
- W91-79at Wake Forest Demon DeaconsJan 21
- L68-72vs Virginia CavaliersJan 17
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 | SMU Mustangs | California Golden Bears |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 25-55 | 26-65 |
| Field goal % | 45 | 40 |
| Three-pointers | 8-21 | 9-32 |
| Three-point % | 38 | 28 |
| Free throws | 11-26 | 12-15 |
| Free throw % | 42 | 80 |
| Rebounds | 44 | 33 |
| Offensive rebounds | 13 | 9 |
| Defensive rebounds | 31 | 24 |
| Assists | 13 | 17 |
| Steals | 4 | 7 |
| Blocks | 3 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 14 | 8 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 12 | 15 |
| Fast-break points | 11 | 10 |
| Points in the paint | 32 | 24 |
| Fouls | 15 | 19 |
| Largest lead | 5 | 9 |
| Lead changes | 8 | 8 |
| Time in front | 13 | 83 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half36-40Jaden Toombs makes 9-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half36-43Chris Bell makes 23-foot three point jumper (John Camden assists)
- 2nd Half37-43Jaron Pierre Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half39-43Boopie Miller makes driving layup
- 2nd Half39-45John Camden makes 16-foot turnaround jump shot (Dai Dai Ames assists)
- 2nd Half41-45Samet Yigitoglu makes layup
- 2nd Half44-45Corey Washington makes 24-foot three point jumper (Boopie Miller assists)
- 2nd Half46-45Samet Yigitoglu makes 1-foot dunk
- 2nd Half48-45Sam Walters makes layup
- 2nd Half50-45Boopie Miller makes driving layup
- 2nd Half50-48Justin Pippen makes 23-foot three point jumper (Semetri Carr assists)
- 2nd Half50-50Justin Pippen makes driving layup
- 2nd Half50-53John Camden makes 24-foot three point jumper (Justin Pippen assists)
- 2nd Half51-53Samet Yigitoglu makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half52-53Boopie Miller makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half52-54Sammie Yeanay makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half53-54Jaron Pierre Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half56-54Jaron Pierre Jr. makes 28-foot three point jumper (Corey Washington assists)
- 2nd Half56-57Justin Pippen makes 28-foot three point jumper (Semetri Carr assists)
- 2nd Half56-59Justin Pippen makes driving layup
- 2nd Half56-60Justin Pippen makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half56-62Lee Dort makes layup
- 2nd Half58-62Boopie Miller makes driving layup
- 2nd Half58-63Chris Bell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half58-64Chris Bell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half61-64Corey Washington makes 22-foot three point jumper (Jaron Pierre Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half62-64Corey Washington makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half65-64Corey Washington makes 24-foot three point jumper (Boopie Miller assists)
- 2nd Half66-64Corey Washington makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half67-64Corey Washington makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half67-65John Camden makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half67-66John Camden makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half67-68Justin Pippen makes 20-foot pullup jump shot (Lee Dort assists)
- 2nd Half67-69Justin Pippen makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half67-70Justin Pippen makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half68-70Jaron Pierre Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half69-70Jaron Pierre Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half69-71Justin Pippen makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half69-72Justin Pippen makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half69-73Lee Dort makes free throw 1 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours California Golden Bears, below favours SMU Mustangs.
Venue
- Haas PavilionBerkeley, CA
- Attendance4411
- OfficialsMichael Irving, Michael Greenstein, Tony Padilla
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