CORAL GABLES, Fla. (Interstat) — In a game defined by razor-thin margins and a frantic final sequence, John Camden’s 26 points led California to a dramatic 86-85 victory over Miami on Saturday afternoon at a tense Watsco Center.

The Golden Bears, who led for only 4 minutes and 46 seconds of game time, snatched the win in the closing seconds after the Hurricanes failed to convert on multiple opportunities to tie or take the lead in the final minute.

The most critical juncture came with California clinging to an 86-85 advantage. After a missed Golden Bears jumper with 14 seconds left, Miami’s Shelton Henderson drove for a potential go-ahead layup but missed. The rebound caromed to Ernest Udeh, whose putback attempt was blocked by California’s Dhiaukuei Manyiel Dut with 12 seconds remaining. The Golden Bears secured the loose ball, and Dai Dai Ames was fouled.

Ames missed the front end of a one-and-one with nine seconds left, giving Miami a final chance. Tre Donaldson’s driving layup rolled off the rim with five seconds to go, and Henderson’s follow-up tip also missed as time expired, allowing California to escape.

The game was a study in contrasting styles. Miami dominated the interior, outscoring California 48-26 in the paint and shooting 56.9% from the field overall. The Hurricanes were led by Malik Reneau’s 24 points and Shelton Henderson’s 16. California countered with superior perimeter shooting, hitting 10 of 23 from three-point range compared to Miami’s 4 of 12, and by earning 32 free throw attempts, making 24.

Camden, a 6-foot-8 forward from Downingtown, Pennsylvania, was the offensive catalyst for the Golden Bears. He efficiently reached his game-high point total, supplemented by key plays on defense. Justin Pippen provided crucial playmaking with 17 points and eight assists, while Chris Bell added 16 points.

The Hurricanes controlled the first half, building a lead as large as nine points. California chipped away, trailing 44-45 at halftime. The second half featured 10 ties and 11 lead changes, with neither team able to establish more than a five-point cushion.

Miami appeared to seize momentum late, taking an 85-82 lead after a pair of Reneau free throws with 1:56 remaining. California responded with a 4-0 run, capped by a driving layup from Dhiaukuei Manyiel Dut with 56 seconds left that put the Golden Bears ahead for good at 86-85, setting the stage for the frantic finish.

Donaldson finished with 14 points and five assists for Miami, and Dante Allen added 12 points.

The loss overshadowed a highly efficient offensive afternoon for the Hurricanes, who posted an offensive rating of 127.5 on 67 possessions. However, their 10 missed free throws on 33 attempts and the late-game execution proved costly.

California improved to 16-6 overall. Miami fell to 17-5.

The game was part of the Atlantic Coast Conference schedule and drew an attendance of 6,513. Miami had been a 10.5-point pregame favorite according to sportsbooks, and the combined score of 171 points significantly exceeded the over/under line of 148.5.

California next hosts Georgia Tech on Wednesday. Miami travels to face Boston College next Saturday.