UNC basketball hasn’t played California in 26 years.
That streak ends this week as the Tar Heels (11-6, 4-1 ACC) welcome the Golden Bears (8-8, 1-4) to the Smith Center on Wednesday (7 p.m., ACC Network) for their first meeting as ACC foes.
UNC and Cal haven’t played since the Golden Bears earned a 78-71 upset win against the ninth-ranked Tar Heels in 1998 as part of the Pete Newell Challenge.
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The Heels won the first four games in the series, including a Sweet 16 victory in the 1997 NCAA Tournament on its way to the Final Four. Here are some other things to know and a score prediction for the first All-ACC matchup between UNC and Cal.
Jalen Washington scoring, rebounding, defense change UNC basketball
Jalen Washington’s career night at N.C. State could end up being the turning point in the Tar Heels’ season. With 11 points, 12 rebounds and three blocks against the Wolfpack, Washington logged the first double-double of his career and showed he’s capable of giving UNC a reliable post presence. Washington has 12 blocks in the last three games, the most in a three-game stretch for a UNC player since Brice Johnson in the 2016 NCAA Tournament.
If Washington can show consistency as a two-way player, it takes the Tar Heels to a new level. Washington will likely be matched up with Michigan State transfer Maddy Sissoko (6.9 rebounds per game) on Wednesday. Cal is 27th in offensive rebounding percentage (36.2%), according to KenPom.com, so Washington’s ability to compete on the glass will be a major key against the Golden Bears.
Elliot Cadeau assists, limiting fouls vs Cal
Elliot Cadeau’s behind-the-back pass to Washington for the game-winning bucket against N.C. State was one of Cadeau’s 11 assists in Raleigh. The sophomore point guard is the first Tar Heel to log 10-plus assists in multiple games since Theo Pinson in 2018. Against a Cal defense that is 247th in defensive efficiency, the second-worst ranking in the ACC, Cadeau should have plenty of opportunities to maintain his offensive groove as a facilitator. Defensively, Cadeau had two fouls at N.C. State, limiting his foul count to that number for the first time since Dec. 7 vs. Georgia Tech. Cadeau has seven games with at least four fouls and twice fouled out.
Andrej Stojakovic is California’s best scorer, among top players in ACC
Andrej Stojakovic started his career at Stanford before transferring to California ahead of his sophomore season. The son of NBA All-Star Peja Stojakovic, Andrej is averaging 20.3 points per game on 35.1% shooting from 3-point range as the second-leading scorer in the ACC. Over the last three league games, Stojakovic has averaged 25.6 points. If UNC isn’t ready to slow down Stojakovic, he’ll put on a show at the Smith Center.
UNC vs Cal score prediction
UNC 90, Cal 69: Following an ugly offensive performance in Raleigh, UNC will get back in a groove at the Smith Center to win its fourth straight game for the first time this season. Elliot Cadeau will pace the Tar Heels with a double-double performance.
Rodd Baxley covers Duke, North Carolina and N.C. State for The Fayetteville Observer as part of the USA TODAY Network. Follow his ACC coverage on X/Twitter or Bluesky: @RoddBaxley. Got questions regarding those teams? Send them to rbaxley@fayobserver.com.
This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: UNC basketball vs California: Score prediction, scouting report
