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 All Athletics News
- 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.
- Mason, Richards, Tominovich, and Gutierrez Named 2024 NCAA DII National Coaching Staff of the YearThe United Soccer Coaches have named head coach Jay Mason and assistant coaches Dan Richards and Emilee Tominovich the 2024 National Coaching Staff of the Year, recognizing their exceptional leadership and dedication in guiding the Cal Poly Pomona Women's Soccer team to its first-ever National Title.
- Late Surge Pushes Cal State LA Past BroncosThe Cal Poly Pomona Broncos dropped a hard-fought contest to the Cal State LA Golden Eagles, 67-58, in a CCAA conference showdown. Despite a strong start, the Broncos couldn't overcome a late surge from the Golden Eagles and ultimately fell short.
- Fourth-Quarter Firepower Propels Broncos Past Golden EaglesThe 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.
- Toros Run Away with 67-50 Victory Over BroncosThe No. 25 Cal Poly Pomona Broncos were defeated by Cal State Dominguez Hills, falling 67-50 in a tough match up. Despite a strong start, the Broncos were unable to overcome the Toros' offensive momentum and defensive pressure throughout the game.
- Broncos Fall Short in Tight Contest with TorosThe No. 17 Cal Poly Pomona Broncos battled fiercely but ultimately fell short to the No. 5 Cal State Dominguez Hills Toros, 65-61, in a tightly contested match up that saw both teams trading leads throughout the game.