LA MIRADA, Calif. – The Cal Poly Pomona women's basketball team defeated Biola on Thursday night by a score of 68-58, improving to 2-1 to open the season.
The team shot an impressive 49 percent from the field and 50 percent beyond the arc; both would've ranked third-best last season. Jeanette Fine, Sydney Nelson, and Kalaya Buggs each scored in double figures, Fine leading the way once again with 18 points. The trio combined for 18 of the team's 24 made field goals, while all of Breanne Ha's nine points came via the three.
The Broncos came out aggressive in the first quarter, scoring six of their points on fast breaks to hold the game close at 14-15. In the second quarter down 20-15 with 6:58 on the clock, the Broncos orchestrated an electric 12-2 run over the next two minutes of play, flipping the script and taking a five-point lead. This was thanks to three free throws, two layups, and two treys in that span, including a pivotal three from Ha to take the lead – which CPP would hold onto for the rest of the game. The Broncos went into halftime up 34-30.
Cal Poly Pomona continued to apply pressure coming out of the half, extending their lead to as high as 14 on a free throw from transfer Brielle Minor. At the conclusion of the third quarter, CPP still sat on top 52-43.
The team struggled to find their footing in the opening minutes of the fourth, allowing Biola to come back within five points. Once again, Breanne Ha hit a crucial three to give the team separation with 6:02 to go. Kalaya Buggs, who was named a WBCA All-America Honorable Mention last season, put the nail in the coffin with 0:26 on the clock, making her second three of the game to seal the win at 68-58.
Up Next
The Broncos will play on the road this Saturday, November 16th, at Hope International. The Broncos have only ever played Hope International once in 2015-16, winning 65-47.
Bronco Bits
- The Broncos are now 19-0 all-time against Biola dating back to their first season in 1974.
- Danelle Bishop is now 248-133 (.651) as head coach of the Broncos. Including her time as head coach at Azusa Pacific and California Baptist, Bishop is 386-218 (.639) all-time.
- This is the second straight year the team has been 2-1 to open the season, and fourth time with that record in the past six seasons.
- Record Watch – Breanne Ha needs just 40 more threes to pass Anna James (1999-03) for most three-point field goals made in school history (215).
Latest Women's Basketball
- Women’s Basketball Wins Third Straight, Defeat Hope International 75-52Cal Poly Pomona women's basketball cruised to a 75-52 victory at Hope International on Saturday afternoon, improving to 3-1 to start the season. This was just the second meeting all-time between the two teams, the Broncos winning both games on the road.
- Big Fourth Quarter Leads No. 19 Broncos to First WinThe Cal Poly Pomona women's basketball team picked up their first win of the season on Saturday night, defeating Point Loma by a score of 71-66. After trailing 30-26 at the end of the first half, the Broncos kicked it into high gear with 45 points in the second half to come back for the victory.
- Broncos Fall to Cougars in Nationally-Ranked Season OpenerAll 11 Broncos that touched the floor on Friday night scored, but it wasn't enough as the No. 19 Broncos fell to No. 18 Azusa Pacific by a score of 50-75. The entire CCAA struggled in their season openers, as eight of the conference's teams lost their opening game.
- 50th Season of Women’s Basketball, Broncos Picked Second in CCAA Preseason PollThe Cal Poly Pomona women's basketball team was selected second in the CCAA preseason poll on Thursday morning. They received 128 points and four first-place votes, with Cal State LA narrowly beating out CPP at 131 points. The 2024-25 season also marks the 50th season in program history, having started in 1974-75.
- Violet Palmer Selected For 2025 SoCal Basketball HOF Lifetime Service AwardCal Poly Pomona NCAA basketball champion and NBA historic referee Violet Palmer has been selected for the prestigious 2025 Southern California Basketball Hall of Fame (SCBBHOF) Lifetime Service Award. She will be honored with the 2025 induction class on Sunday, May 4, 2025 in Anaheim.
- Bronco Launchpad Live Until October 25thJoin us in the spirit of giving as we ramp up our annual Bronco Launchpad! From October 14th - 25th, 2024, seize the chance to be a part of something extraordinary—powering the launch of our most anticipated fundraising needs and transforming CPP student dreams into reality.