California Golden Bears vs Washington Huskies Box Score on Feb 17, 2024

Jalen Celestine scored Cal's final eight points, including the game-winning 3-pointer with 5 seconds remaining, to elevate the visiting Golden Bears to an 82-80 defeat of Washington on Saturday in Seattle.

Cal (11-15, 7-8 Pac-12) relinquished the advantage with 15:21 to go in regulation and did not lead again until the final basket. But the Golden Bears remained within striking distance in what was a tight game throughout.

Neither team led by more than six points in the second half or seven points at any juncture in the game. That helped Cal to pull within one point when Celestine, who was previously scoreless, began his closing flourish with a pair of free throws with 2:21 remaining.

Keion Brooks, who scored a team-high 26 points, pushed the Huskies' lead back to three points on the ensuing Washington possession. Celestine responded with a 3-pointer to tie the game at 79.

Sahvir Wheeler scored 11 of his 15 points in the second half for Washington, including the go-ahead free throw with 1:16 remaining, but his turnover with 15 seconds remaining proved critical.

Washington (14-12, 6-9) had an open look at a corner 3-pointer that would have extended the lead to four points with 34 seconds remaining. Moses Wood's attempt was no good, but Paul Mulcahy grabbed an offensive rebound.

Wheeler coughed up the ball to Cal's Jalen Cone and Cal called a timeout.

The Golden Bears' Jaylon Tyson, who shot 11 of 20 from the floor and scored a game-high 28 points, drew a double-team to free up Celestine for an open 3-pointer from the wing that gave Cal the win.

Celestine was the only Golden Bears starter who did not score in double figures, finishing with eight points. Cone scored 14 points, Keonte Kennedy finished with 12 and Fardaws Aimaq had 13 points and 15 rebounds before fouling out.

Wood scored 11 points for Washington and Koren Johnson added 16 points off the bench.

--Field Level Media