LAS VEGAS – The Broncos captured a big win on Tuesday afternoon, defeating No. 3 Montana State Billings 72-69 in Las Vegas. With the win, the team improves to 8-1 overall while remaining 3-0 in conference play. They are also an impressive 6-1 in road games so far this season and 2-0 in neutral venues.
Cal Poly Pomona's victory on Tuesday made a statement to the west region, as they captured their highest opponent-ranked win since 2001 by defeating the number three team in the country. The last time they defeated an opponent ranked this high was No.1 Columbus State in Final Four of the 2001 NCAA Tournament, where the Broncos would eventually go on to win their fourth of five national titles.
Four Broncos scored in double figures against the Yellow Jackets, that being Sydney Nelson (18), Breanne Ha (18), Kalaya Buggs (13), and Cookie Marques (11). Mydrea Moore led the Broncos down low with nine rebounds, a season-high seven of those being defensive. The team as a whole had their best shooting performance this decade, making 55 percent from the field – their highest field goal percentage in a game since November 29, 2018 when they also shot 55 percent in a 94-64 win over San Francisco State.
As they have done in most of their wins this season, the Broncos outscored MSUB in the paint 36-26, while also outscoring them 10-3 on fast break points. A big second quarter helped CPP gain some separation in the game going up by as much as 13 on a Ha trey right before halftime.
The Broncos held on to that double digit lead for most of the rest of the game, before Montana State Billings made a late 10-3 run. With just 39 seconds on the clock, MSUB hit a three to bring the game back within one. However, the Broncos were able to exhaust the clock, as two made free throws by Buggs would secure the win in the final seconds.
Up Next
After nine games on the road to open the season, the Broncos will have their long-awaited home opener this Saturday, December 21st, against Cal State San Bernardino at 1:00 PM.
Bronco Bits
- The Broncos are now 7-2 (.778) all-time against Montana State Billings.
- Danelle Bishop is now 254-133 (.656) as head coach of the Broncos, including 193-89 (.684) in CCAA play. Including two previous stops at APU and CBU, Bishop is 392-218 (.643) all-time as a head coach.
- CPP is currently tied for the second-highest overall winning percentage in the CCAA at .889. Cal Poly Pomona and Chico State are both 8-1 to open the season, while Cal State Dominguez Hills remains a perfect 10-0.
- Record Watch – Breanne Ha needs just 26 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 Takes Down Seawolves, Remains Undefeated in Conference PlayThe Cal Poly Pomona women's basketball team won their seventh consecutive game on Saturday afternoon, defeating Sonoma State by a score of 57-50. With the win, the Broncos remain perfect in conference play at 3-0, while improving to 7-1 on the season.
- Comeback Complete, Women’s Basketball Erases 21-Point Deficit for WinThe Cal Poly Pomona women's basketball team pulled off an impressive comeback win against Cal State San Marcos on Thursday night, erasing a once 21-point deficit to remain undefeated in conference play. With the win, CPP improves to 6-1 on the season and 2-0 in conference play.
- Big Fourth Quarter Leads No. 24 Broncos to Fifth Straight Win in CCAA OpenerThe trio of Sydney Nelson, Breanne Ha, and Jeanette Fine led the Broncos to their fifth straight win on Saturday afternoon, improving to 5-1 on the season and 1-0 in conference play. The Broncos currently have the second-best overall winning percentage in the CCAA, while having the most road wins in the conference to start the season.
- Bishop Picks Up 250th Victory in 63-59 Win over ConcordiaCal Poly Pomona women's basketball head coach Danelle Bishop picked up her 250th career win in the Green & Gold on Saturday afternoon, as the Broncos defeated the Golden Eagles by a score of 63-59 in Irvine. With the win, CPP improves to 4-1 to open the season as they prepare for the start conference play.
- 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.
- Strong Shooting Carries Broncos to Win Over BiolaThe 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.