SAN MARCOS, Calif. – In their 28th tournament appearance, Cal Poly Pomona advances to the CCAA Tournament finals by defeating the Chico State Wildcats 73-61. This marks the first time since 2014 that the Broncos received a bye in the first round and the first time since 2019 they've reached the CCAA finals.
The game began with Chico State leading, maintaining that advantage throughout the first quarter, ending it 15-8 in their favor. In the second quarter, the Broncos worked their way back, tying the game at 22-22 with just over two minutes left, but the Wildcats regained a four-point lead, finishing the half at 30-26.
The Broncos entered the third quarter with a strong mindset and, with just a minute left, took the lead thanks to a jumper by Mydrea Moore. Shortly after, Cookie Marques hit a three-pointer, extending the Broncos' advantage to 47-43 by the end of the quarter. In the fourth, Brielle Minor added another three-pointer, and the Broncos held on to their lead, maintaining composure with key rebounds, steals, and no turnovers in the second half.
The bench played a vital role, contributing 20 points and providing crucial energy. Sydney Nelson spoke about their importance, saying, "The bench is so important, they bring constant support and reminders for our team. They push the team even further through their energy." Nelson led the Broncos with 29 points, playing all 40 minutes, while Moore had 10 rebounds.
Head Coach Danelle Bishop praised the team's unity, saying, "I think the one thing that is really special about this team is that they want each other to succeed, they don't care about their points or minutes, they care about sticking together to achieve the same goal."
Kalaya Buggs also highlighted the team's strong bond: "This is one of the most close-knit teams I have ever been on. We all had the same goal in mind, and we feed off each other's fire."
Through this victory, the Broncos advance to the CCAA Tournament Finals and will face the winner of the semifinal game between Cal State Dominguez Hills and Sonoma State.
Still Dancing!!@cppwbb defeats Chico State in the CCAA semifinals. Sydney Nelson led the team with 29 points and Mydrea Moore had 10 rebounds. The Broncos advance to the championship game tomorrow at 8:00 PM PST in San Marcos, Calif.#WeAreCPP pic.twitter.com/krCaAah4kI
— Cal Poly Pomona Broncos (@cppbroncos) March 8, 2025
Up Next:
The Broncos advance to the CCAA Tournament finals on Saturday, March 8th at 8:00 PM PST in San Marcos, Calif.
Bronco Bits:
- The Broncos are 2-3 all-time against Chico State in the CCAA tournament.
- Danelle Bishop is now 271-136 as head coach of the Broncos, including 210-92 in CCAA play. Including two previous stops at APU and CBU, Bishop is 409-221 all-time as a head coach.
- The Broncos have now made 28 of the 29 CCAA Tournaments ever hosted since 1985 (no conference tournament from 1999-2007).
- Their 25th win of the season marks the highest win total since 2018-19.
- The Broncos' 14 road victories is their most in a season since 1987-88, and is tied for the second-most in program history.
- Kalaya Buggs scored her 1,000th point in the Bronco uniform in the final 19 seconds of tonight's game.
Latest Women's Basketball
- Seven Broncos Receive CSC Academic All-District HonorsThe 2024-25 Academic All-District Women's and Men's Basketball Teams, selected by College Sports Communicators (CSC), celebrate the nation's top student-athletes who have demonstrated excellence both on the court and in the classroom.
- Season Ends in NCAA Tournament Overtime ThrillerThe Cal Poly Pomona women's basketball team put up a fight against Chico State in their first game of the NCAA Tournament, mounting an impressive comeback in the second half and sending the game into overtime. However, the No. 14 ranked Broncos would ultimately come up short in the overtime period, losing 57-52 to end their 2024-25 campaign. Despite a furious fourth-quarter comeback, the Broncos were unable to overcome an early deficit as their season came to an end in heartbreaking fashion.
- Women’s Basketball to Make 30th NCAA Tournament Appearance in CarsonIn the 50th season of Cal Poly Pomona women's basketball, the Broncos will make their 30th appearance in the NCAA Tournament, it was announced by the NCAA on Sunday night. The Broncos have built one of their best resumes in recent years, as they own a 25-5 overall record, securing the No. 2 seed in the West Region.
- Broncos Fall Short in CCAA FinalsIn their 14th appearance in the CCAA finals, the Cal Poly Pomona Broncos fell to the Cal State Dominguez Hills Toros with a final score of 54-77, as the Toros claimed the CCAA title.
- Buggs, Nelson, and Ha Receive All-CCAA RecognitionThe Cal Poly Pomona women's basketball trio of Sydney Nelson, Kalaya Buggs, and Breanne Ha earned All-CCAA recognition on Tuesday afternoon, it was announced by the conference office. All three are receiving the honor for the second time in their careers at CPP.
- Kalaya Buggs Named CCAA Player of the WeekIn a week where she passed the 1,000 career point milestone, Cal Poly Pomona's Kalaya Buggs has been named the FloCollege/CCAA Women's Basketball Player of the Week. (Mar. 3)
