Nov 24, 2025 1 min read

Observer-Reporter

CALIFORNIA – Undefeated Daemen used a 17-3 run midway through the second half to pull away for a 83-64 victory over California in a nonconference men’s basketball game Monday evening at the Convocation Center.

Daemen (7-0), which led 33-31 at halftime, was up 45-44 before embarking on the game’s key stretch, which gave the Wildcats a 62-47 advantage and sent Cal to its fourth loss in five games.

Benjamin Bill, Daemen’s 6-10 center, had a double-double with a game-high 23 points and 11 rebounds. Zach Philipkoski followed with 20 points and Justin Hemphill also had a double-double with 17 points and a game-high 12 rebounds. The Wildcats outrebounded Cal 43-26.

Philipkoski scored eight of his points during the 17-3 key second-half surge.

The Vulcans were led in scoring Antoine Arnett’s 18 points. Brayden Reynolds followed with 15 points and Jordyn Buchanan tossed in 12.

Both teams shot 47 percent but Daemen’s rebounding advantage allowed the Wildcats to attempt 15 more shots than Cal. The Vulcans committed 14 turnovers and were credited with only six assists.