Syracuse Men’s Basketball faces an unfamiliar foe tonight when it hosts California in its first-ever matchup with the Golden Bears. With that comes a date with an old friend, senior Chris Bell.
After three seasons with the Orange, the 6’4 forward transferred to Cal this past offseason. In his time on the Hill, Bell posted just under 9 points per game on 37% shooting from beyond the arc. One of his most memorable moments came in 2024, when he torched Louisville for 30 points—24 from three-point range—while shooting an electric 73% from the field. That game occurred during his best season, when he averaged 12 points per game on 42% from three.
In his first season out west, Bell is having a career year. He’s averaging career highs in points (13), assists, and rebounds. The senior has done his most damage on the road this season, however, shooting over 46% from beyond the arc in enemy territory. That could spell trouble for an SU squad that’s allowed the fourth-most three-point field goals in the ACC.
Bell comes into this matchup as one of the hottest shooters for the Golden Bears over the last four games, shooting over 40% from three with 13 points per game in that stretch.
The bad news for the Orange is that despite this hot stretch during a career year, Bell is just the fourth-leading scorer for Cal. The Golden Bears are led by junior Dai Dai Ames, who’s averaging a career-high 17 points per game. He shoots at a highly efficient 48% from the field and 41% from three and is coming off a season-high 29 against Georgia Tech in his last outing. The other two scorers ahead of Bell are guard Justin Pippen and forward John Camden, who add 15 and 14 per game respectively.
This mix of career years has led to 17 wins so far this season under third-year head coach Mark Madsen, already surpassing last season’s total of 14. The Golden Bears sit just on the bubble of the NCAA tournament, needing a road win over SU to strengthen their March resume.
Bell and the Golden Bears arrive to face the Orange at 7.
