The California men's basketball team is back in postseason play for the first time since 2017 with its spot in the 2026 National Invitation Tournament (NIT), as announced Sunday. The Golden Bears will host UIC in the first round at 8 p.m. PT on Wednesday (March 18) at Haas Pavilion. The NIT second round game, featuring the Cal-UIC and Colorado State-Saint Joseph's winners, will take place on Sunday (March 22).

Under the direction of third-year head coach Mark Madsen , the Bears have made big strides in 2025-26. At 21-11 overall, Cal has recorded its first 20-win season since 2017 and is coming off a ninth-place finish in the 18-team Atlantic Coast Conference. The Bears have four players averaging double figures and five nationally ranked in the top-100 in different statistical categories. Most recently, Cal top scorer Dai Dai Ames was named to the All-ACC Third Team, and assists and steals leader Justin Pippen earned All-ACC Honorable Mention. 

Cal could host three rounds of the 32-team NIT competition at Haas Pavilion. The NIT semifinals and final will take place in Indianapolis, with semis set for Butler's Hinkle Fieldhouse and the championship game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse -- home of the Indiana Pacers and Fever.

NIT NOTES
- This will be Cal's 10th NIT journey, having gone 14-8 in its past nine appearances.
- Cal's last postseason appearance was in the 2017 NIT, where the Bears lost in the first round in Berkeley.
- Cal won the 1999 NIT Championship

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CALIFORNIA THROUGH AND THROUGH
"California Through and Through" is more than a slogan – it's a statement of identity, pride and our trajectory as Cal Men's Basketball. Just like our state, our program is engaging, diverse and inspiring. We have a rich history and legacy, and we have a bright future. Being California Through and Through means we celebrate our community and our place within it.