BERKELEY (AP) – Brandon Walker scored a career-high 26 points and Montana State survived two late 3-point attempts to defeat California 63-60 on Thursday night in Haas Pavilion.
The Golden Bears, who trailed by as many as 14 early in the second half, got two chances to tie when Robert Ford III missed the front end of a 1-and-1 with 11 seconds to play. But Jalen Cone missed a 3-pointer from the right wing and after the Bobcats lost the ball out of bounds his rushed shot was off the mark.
Patrick McMahon added 10 points for Montana State (2-1) but he left the game with an injury with 6:46 to play. Another starter, Eddie Turner III, didn't make the trip. In addition, the Bobcats had four players with four fouls and Cal held them to 4-of-24 shooting from 3-point range.
Walker, a sophomore transfer UT Arlington, was 12 of 21. The Cats shot 43% (25 of 58) despite their struggles from long range.
Jaylon Tyson scored 27 points – including 19 in the second half – to keep the Golden Bears (2-2) in the game. Fardaws Aimaq added 14 points and 12 rebounds as Cal was plus-14 on the boards. Cal turned the ball over 16 times, translating to 19 points for the visiting Bobcats.
Tyson scored Cal's final 11 points, including two free throws with 2:34 left making it 57-56. MSU's Brian Goracke then muscled inside for a basket and then added two free throws.
Walker had 14 points and the Bobcats led 33-27 at the half, despite going 1 of 12 on 3s.
The Bears were without Devin Askew (foot) and Jalen Celestine (foot) in the loss.
Cal faces UTEP in the SoCal Challenge on Monday in San Juan Capistrano.
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