BERKELEY, Calif. (Interstat) — California survived a fierce second-half rally to defeat North Carolina 84-78 in a nonconference men’s basketball game Saturday at Haas Pavilion.

The Golden Bears built a commanding 54-37 halftime lead behind 20 points from John Camden and 19 from Dai Dai Ames. The Tar Heels stormed back, opening the second half on a 26-9 run to tie the game at 63. Justin Pippen scored 19 points for California, including key late free throws to seal the win after North Carolina drew within one point in the final minutes.

Caleb Wilson led North Carolina with 17 points. The Tar Heels fell to 14-4, while California improved to 14-5. Attendance was 8,077.