Broncos Erase 18-Point Deficit in Battle With Nationally-Ranked Wildcats
POMONA, Calif. – The Broncos put up a solid fight against the nationally-ranked Wildcats on Thursday night, ultimately falling by a score of 81-87. With the loss, Cal Poly Pomona falls to 7-13 on the season and 6-10 in CCAA play, sitting in sixth place in the conference standings.
Cal Poly Pomona struggled to find the basket in the opening 10 minutes of the game, trailing by a score of 22-8 at the midway point of the half. Chico State then extended that lead over the next few minutes to a game-high 18 points with 7:38 to go. A series of makes inside the paint allowed the Broncos to creep back into the game, bringing the deficit back to within single digits by the end of the first half. CPP dominated the game down low, making an impressive 44 points inside the paint to the Wildcats' 18.
The Bronco offense exploded in the second half, scoring a season-high 49 points in the final 20 minutes. The team went 20-for-34 from the floor, good for a shooting percentage of 59 percent. This spark in offense allowed CPP to erase the deficit with 3:01 left in the game, when Kodey Weary hit a crucial three to put the Broncos ahead 76-75. Chico State responded with a big three of their own at the 1:27 mark, allowing them to regain the lead for the remainder of the game. Eight free throws from Chico State would solidify their victory, handing the Broncos their 13th loss of the season.
Five different Broncos reached double figures in the game, including Jaden Winfield (15), Chris Gayles Jr. (13), Kodey Weary (13), Michael Ofoegbu (24), and Malcolm Bell (11). Additionally, every single Bronco that saw the court recorded multiple rebounds, contributing to CPP's 45 boards in the game. Weary had his best game of the season, reaching double figures for the first time in his collegiate career while tying a season-high seven rebounds – in addition to the big three late in the second half.
Up Next
The Broncos will host Cal Pol Humboldt (4-17) on Saturday, February 10th, at 7:30 PM in Kellogg Arena. CPP defeated Humboldt in Arcata back in November, extending their win streak against the Lumberjacks to nine straight games.
Bronco Bits
- The Broncos are now 38-27 all-time against Chico State, including 5-5 in their past 10 games.
- Greg Kamansky is now 449-203 (.689) as head coach of the Broncos. His next win will be the 450th of his career.
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