Justin Cobbs scored a career-high 22 points Saturday as No. 18 California rebounded from its worst nonconference loss ever with an 80-59 victory over visiting Denver.

Allen Crabbe had 15 points and 10 rebounds for California (5-1), which lost 92-53 to No. 21 Missouri on Wednesday. The Golden Bears shot 26-of-50 (52 percent) from the field against the Pioneers.

Facing its first ranked opponent since 2003, Denver (4-1) trailed by 27 midway through the second half. The Pioneers shot just 8-of-26 (30 percent) from beyond the arc.

Chris Udofia had nine points and six assists for Denver, which was picked to finish fourth in the Sun Belt Conference’s West Division.

Crabbe, the Pac-10 Freshman of the Year last season, shot 6-of-9 from the field, including three 3-pointers, after averaging 6.7 points in his last three games. Cobbs had four 3-pointers off the bench.

Coming off impressive wins over Southern Miss and Saint Mary’s, Denver was outrebounded 33-18 by California and never led in the contest.