Empire Classic Preview: UCLA Takes on Cal

UCLA hopes to extend their win streak to three against Cal

Nov 14, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Donovan Dent (2) leaves the court after defeated by the Arizona Wildcats 69-65 at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images | Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

The No.19 Bruins are taking on the Golden Bears, with high hopes of keep their momentum rolling.

Both teams enter the matchup at 5–1, and each suffered its lone loss in a game that easily could have swung the other way on a different night. With both squads showing near-identical resumes and competitive consistency, this matchup has the makings of a true toss-up

The Numbers You Need to Know

Nov 7, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Skyy Clark (55) dribbles the ball against Pepperdine Waves guard Aaron Clark (3) during the first half at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images | Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

To start, it can't be denied that Cal has been an offensive juggernaut to start the season. They are averaging 85.2 points per game. As well as beating teams by an average of 16.0 points.

Their only loss came against a very solid 5-1 Kansas State team in a 99-96 shootout. During this game, Cal would put up 62 points in the second half, something that could happen to the Bruins if they are not careful.

Nov 18, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Bruins forward Eric Dailey Jr. (3) stops a shot by Sacramento State Hornets guard Prophet Johnson (16) during the first half at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

The Golden Bears this season average 85.2 points , 37.2 rebounds, 16.7 assists, 5.7 steals, 4.5 blocks, 12.0 turnovers, as well as shooting a very solid 49.2% from the field.

Compared to UCLA's 77.8 points, 35.0 rebounds, 17.2 assists, 7.3 steals, 3.0 blocks, 11.8 turnovers, while shooting an impressive 49.4% from the field. On paper, this game is neck and neck.

The Blueprint for a UCLA Win

Nov 14, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Donovan Dent (2) looks on during the first half of the Hall of Fame Series game against the Arizona Wildcats at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images | Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

UCLA really needs to set the tone fast. The key to beating the Bears, is holding a very strong first half lead, and carrying it over in the second half. Cal has proven to be a very dangerous second half team this season.

Rebounding will be essential in this matchup. UCLA has already proven it can control the glass, highlighted by its dominant performance against Presbyterian, where the Bruins outrebounded the Blue Hose 33–25

Nov 14, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Donovan Dent (2) goes to the basket past Arizona Wildcats center Motiejus Krivas (13) during the second half of the Hall of Fame Series game at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images | Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

In UCLA's sole loss this season against Arizona, they were out rebounded 35-28. If the Bruins were able to grab a few more boards in this one, the result may have gone UCLA's way.

Stars Must Shine

Nov 7, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Bruins forward Eric Dailey Jr. (3) is greeted by forward Tyler Bilodeau (34) and guard Trent Perry (0) during the first half against the Pepperdine Waves at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images | Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

The Bruins are really going to need their stars to perform well. Donovan Dent, while he has been solid, has not been the game-changer the Bruins were expecting in the off-season.

Entering the season, Eric Dailey Jr. was ranked among the top forwards in college basketball. Through six games, however, he hasn’t fully lived up to that billing. This matchup offers him a prime opportunity to finally get things rolling.

Mar 16, 2023; Sacramento, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Mike Cronin and UNC Asheville Bulldogs head coach Mike Morrell talk after the Bruins defeated the Bulldogs at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images | Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images

The game plan is simple: rebound well and get the stars going. This matchup can easily tilt in UCLA’s favor, but if the Bruins get sloppy, it has all the makings of a game that could come down to the buzzer.

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