Chico, Calif. - The Cal Poly Pomona Broncos fell just short in a thrilling 83-81 overtime loss to the Chico State Wildcats in an intense and back-and-forth contest.
The game began with the Broncos coming out hot, jumping to a 7-0 lead over the Wildcats in the opening minutes. Despite the early deficit, Chico State remained resilient, and by the eight-minute mark of the first half, the Wildcats were able to narrow the gap. From that point on, both teams traded baskets, but the Broncos managed to maintain a slim lead for the majority of the period. In fact, Cal Poly Pomona held the lead for 95.5% of the first half, with nine different Broncos contributing to the scoring. Heading into halftime, the Broncos led 42-37.
Coming out of the break, Chico State wasted no time, quickly tying the game at 42-42 within the first minute of the second half. From there, the Broncos continued to fight and maintain their advantage, but the Wildcats kept pressing. The game reached its peak intensity with 21 seconds left in regulation when Chico State hit a clutch shot to tie the game at 77-77, sending the contest into overtime.
In the overtime period, the Wildcats came out with the upper hand, taking an early lead. With just 11 seconds remaining, the Broncos managed to tie the game at 81-81, keeping their hopes alive. However, the Wildcats remained composed and sealed the victory with two crucial free throws, securing an 83-81 win.
Demarreya Lewis-Cooper led the Broncos with a stellar performance, scoring 24 points to keep his team in the hunt. Shyheim Parm contributed 11 points, and Jaden Winfield played a key role on the boards, pulling down eight rebounds. Sam Hunter was a defensive presence, recording two blocks in the contest.
Up Next:
The Broncos will head to Cal Poly Humboldt for a Cal Poly Clash match-up on Saturday, January 11th at 3:00 PM.
Bronco Bits:
- Greg Kamansky is now 460-211 as the head coach of the Broncos.
- The Broncos are 8-5 overall and 3-4 in CCAA conference.
- 11 Broncos added points in the game.
- The Broncos led for 85.8% of the game.
- The game was only tied four times.
- Throughout program history, the Broncos lead 38-28 against Chico State.
Latest All Athletics News
- Mueller Named CSC Academic All-American®Already one of the greatest setters in school history, senior Caitie Mueller added to her distinguished Cal Poly Pomona career on Tuesday morning being named to the College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-America Second Team. Mueller is the first CPP volleyball student-athlete to earn the award in 36 years, as Gayle Deisinger was the last to receive the distinction during the 1988 season.
- 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.
- Cal Poly Clash VictoryIn an exciting Cal Poly Clash showdown, the Cal Poly Pomona Broncos came out on top, defeating the Cal Poly Humboldt Lumberjacks 75-69. This victory moved the Broncos closer to claiming the Cal Poly Clash title, earning them 0.5 points.
- 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.
- Tara Oper of Cal Poly Pomona Named the DII Honda Athlete of the Year Award Finalist for SoccerCal Poly Pomona senior Tara Oper has been named a finalist for the DII Honda Athlete of the Year for Soccer, as announced today by Chris Voelz, Executive Director of The Collegiate Women Sports Awards (CWSA) presented by Honda.