CARSON, Calif. - The 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.
The game got off to a rough start for the Broncos, as they struggled to find their offensive rhythm in the first quarter. Chico State jumped out to an 18-8 lead, fueled by strong inside play and efficient free-throw shooting. The Wildcats' Jordan Allred was a dominant force, finishing with a double-double of 16 points and 11 rebounds.
Cal Poly Pomona found more success in the second quarter, with Sydney Nelson once again leading the charge as she has done all season. Nelson, who finished with a game-high 20 points, kept the Broncos within striking distance, but Chico State maintained a 28-19 lead at halftime.
The Broncos continued to battle in the third quarter, chipping away at the deficit. Their defense also tightened up, holding Chico State to just 12 points in the period. Despite these efforts, the Wildcats maintained a seven-point advantage heading into the final quarter.
Senior Breanne Ha nailed two three-pointers in the game, bringing her season total to 73 – tying her single season school record set just last season. Ha finishes her career with 244 career three's, 29 more than the next closest player in school history.
The fourth quarter saw a spirited comeback from the Broncos, who outscored Chico State 15-8 to force overtime. Their defense stifled the Wildcats, holding them scoreless from beyond the arc while forcing crucial turnovers. Nelson and Kalaya Buggs made key plays down the stretch, with Buggs going 5-for-6 from the free-throw line to help tie the game at 48-48 as regulation ended.
However, in the overtime period, Chico State proved too resilient. Sydney Nelson scored four points, but the Wildcats responded with timely baskets while draining the clock. Allred and Meadow Aragon combined for seven of Chico State's nine overtime points.
The Broncos' effort on the glass was commendable, as they outrebounded Chico State 48-42, with Nelson and Buggs grabbing nine and eight rebounds, respectively. However, their struggles from three-point range (2-for-12) and costly turnovers (15) down the stretch ultimately proved too much to overcome.
The Broncos finish the season with an impressive 25-6 record, their most since 2018-19, going 19-3 in CCAA play, 9-2 at home, 13-2 on the road, and 3-2 in neutral games. Though Friday's overtime loss brought the season to an abrupt halt, head coach Danelle Bishop and the 2024-25 squad have a lot to be proud of.
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Bronco Bits
- The Broncos are 35-32 all-time against Chico State, including 3-2 in NCAA Tournament play. Friday was CPP's first loss to the Wildcats in the NCAA Tournament since 2005.
- Danelle Bishop is now 271-138 as head coach of the Broncos. Including two previous stops at APU and CBU, Bishop is 408-223 all-time as a head coach.
- Breanne Ha tied her single-season three-point record with 73.
- Sydney Nelson ends the season 970 career points, sitting just 30 away from 1K.
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.
- 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.
- Still Dancing: Broncos Top Chico State, Head to CCAA FinalsIn their 28th tournament appearance, Cal Poly Pomona advances to the CCAA Tournament finals by defeating the Chico State Wildcats 73-61.
- 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)
