POMONA, Calif. - The Cal Poly Pomona Broncos rallied back from an early deficit to defeat the Cal State LA Golden Eagles 63-52 in a thrilling women's basketball contest. Despite a strong start from the Golden Eagles, the Broncos found their rhythm and dominated the final quarter to secure the victory.
The Golden Eagles came out with energy in the first quarter, jumping to an eight point lead just four minutes into the game. Their aggressive start allowed them to control the pace early, and they led 16-12 at the end of the opening frame. However, the Broncos quickly responded, pushing to close the gap as the game progressed.
In the second quarter, the teams exchanged baskets, with neither side able to establish a substantial lead. The Broncos were determined to fight back, and with 2:19 remaining in the half, the score was tied at 29. As the clock wound down, Cal Poly Pomona surged ahead, outscoring the Golden Eagles 20-15 in the second quarter to take a 32-31 lead into halftime.
The third quarter saw the Broncos hold the lead for much of the period, but Cal State LA managed to finish strong, pulling ahead by a point to lead 42-41 heading into the final frame. The Golden Eagles outscored the Broncos 11-9 in the third quarter, setting up a dramatic finish.
The fourth quarter was all Broncos. Less than 20 seconds into the period, Kalaya Buggs hit a crucial three-pointer to put Cal Poly Pomona ahead. The Broncos continued their surge, and with six minutes remaining, Buggs and Breanne Ha delivered back-to-back three-pointers, forcing the Golden Eagles to call a timeout as their lead slipped away.
From there, the Broncos continued to extend their advantage, with the Golden Eagles unable to keep pace. The Broncos dominated the final quarter, outscoring Cal State LA 22-11, securing a 63-52 victory.
Buggs was pivotal in the win, contributing both offensively and defensively, while Ha's timely shooting helped to seal the game for the Broncos.
Up Next:
The Broncos will travel up to Chico State to face the Wildcats on Thursday, January 9th at 5:30 PM.
Bronco Bits:
- Danelle Bishop is now 256-134 as head coach of the Broncos, including 195-90 in CCAA play. Including two previous stops at APU and CBU, Bishop is 394-219 all-time as a head coach.
- The No. 17 Broncos are now 10-2 overall and 5-1 in CCAA conference play.
- Record Watch – Breanne Ha needs just 16 more threes to pass Anna James (1999-03) for most three-point field goals made in school history (215).
- The Broncos posted a season-high 83.3% from the free-throw line as a team.
BRONCOS WIN!!@cppwbb beat Cal State LA 63-53. Sydney Nelson led the Broncos with 18 points and 9 rebounds, followed by Kalaya Buggs with 15 points. #WeAreCPP pic.twitter.com/MVqJrbIB6L
— Cal Poly Pomona Broncos (@cppbroncos) January 4, 2025
Latest Women's Basketball
- Breanne Ha Ties the All-Time Three-Point RecordBreanne Ha etched her name into the CPP record book once again on Saturday afternoon, tying both the all-time three-point record (215) and single-game three-point record (8) against Stanislaus State. The Rancho Cucamonga native already broke the single-season three-point record last year (73), meaning she now owns at least a share of the single-game, single-season, and all-time three point records - solidifying herself as the greatest long range shooter to ever wear the Green & Gold.
- Kevin Gomez Named Assistant Athletics Director for DevelopmentKevin Gomez has joined Cal Poly Pomona Athletics as the new Assistant Athletics Director for Development, it was announced by Director of Athletics Brian Swanson and Executive Director of Development Pam Jones-Tintle on Friday. Gomez, who most recently served as the Assistant Director of Athletics Advancement at Claremont McKenna College, began his role on Wednesday, January 15th.
- Broncos Explode for 35-Point Victory Over OttersThe Broncos exploded for 90 points against Cal State Monterey Bay on Thursday night, tying a season-high in points scored for their 13th win of the season. No. 19 ranked Cal Poly Pomona remains tied for second place in the CCAA standings with an 8-1 conference record, and now have nine straight wins against the Otters dating back to 2019.
- Kalaya Buggs Named CCAA Player of the WeekCal Poly Pomona's Kalaya Buggs has been voted the FloCollege/CCAA Women's Basketball Player of the Week for the week of Jan. 6-12.
- No. 21 Women’s Basketball Continues Hot Start, Bishop Becomes Winningest Conference Coach in Program HistoryHead coach Danelle Bishop made history on Saturday afternoon, claiming her 197th conference victory as head coach at Cal Poly Pomona. This win makes Bishop the winningest conference coach in school history, passing Darlene May, who had 196 conference wins in her historic 20-year career from 1974-94.
- Danelle Bishop Ties Darlene May for Most CCAA Wins in Program History With Big Overtime Victory in ChicoHead coach Danelle Bishop reached a notable milestone with the win on Thursday night, tying coaching legend Darlene May for the most CCAA wins in program history with her 196th conference victory. Bishop, now in her 14th season (15th year) as head coach of the Broncos, owns a career conference record of 196-90, good for a .685 winning percentage. Bishop is already the second-winningest coach in program history behind only May, and with one more win, will become the program's all-time leader in CCAA wins.