Instant observations: NC State opens West Coast trip with loss at Cal, seventh straight defeat

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February 5, 2025; Berkeley, California, USA; California Golden Bears center Mady Sissoko (12) fights for the rebound with N.C. State Wolfpack guard Marcus Hill (10) during the first half at Haas Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

NC State hadn’t won a true road game in 354 days when it arrived on the West Coast to kick off a two-game swing against the ACC’s two newest members. The Wolfpack was looking to end that streak in its first-ever trip to Cal, but it didn’t have enough in the tank down the stretch to do so. NC State had a 2-point lead with 13:42 to play, but it was outscored 30-16 as the Golden Bears sprinted to the finish line. Cal finished the season sweep of the Pack with a 74-62 win on Wednesday night at Haas Pavilion. Senior guard Marcus Hill led the Wolfpack with 20 points, while freshman guard Trey Parker added 9. Javon Blacksher Jr. led the Golden Bears with 18 points. As a team, NC State shot 37.7 percent from the field, including a 3-of-13 clip from three. Cal, meanwhile, posted a 42.2 percent mark from the floor with nine made 3-pointers. The Wolfpack’s defeat marks its seventh straight, which is the program’s longest losing streak since the 2016-17 campaign. The Wolfpack went 4-14 in league play that season. Here are three observations from the Pack’s loss.