POMONA, Calif. - The 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.
The Golden Eagles came out with energy in the first quarter, jumping to an eight point lead just four minutes into the game. Their aggressive start allowed them to control the pace early, and they led 16-12 at the end of the opening frame. However, the Broncos quickly responded, pushing to close the gap as the game progressed.
In the second quarter, the teams exchanged baskets, with neither side able to establish a substantial lead. The Broncos were determined to fight back, and with 2:19 remaining in the half, the score was tied at 29. As the clock wound down, Cal Poly Pomona surged ahead, outscoring the Golden Eagles 20-15 in the second quarter to take a 32-31 lead into halftime.
The third quarter saw the Broncos hold the lead for much of the period, but Cal State LA managed to finish strong, pulling ahead by a point to lead 42-41 heading into the final frame. The Golden Eagles outscored the Broncos 11-9 in the third quarter, setting up a dramatic finish.
The fourth quarter was all Broncos. Less than 20 seconds into the period, Kalaya Buggs hit a crucial three-pointer to put Cal Poly Pomona ahead. The Broncos continued their surge, and with six minutes remaining, Buggs and Breanne Ha delivered back-to-back three-pointers, forcing the Golden Eagles to call a timeout as their lead slipped away.
From there, the Broncos continued to extend their advantage, with the Golden Eagles unable to keep pace. The Broncos dominated the final quarter, outscoring Cal State LA 22-11, securing a 63-52 victory.
Buggs was pivotal in the win, contributing both offensively and defensively, while Ha's timely shooting helped to seal the game for the Broncos.
Up Next:
The Broncos will travel up to Chico State to face the Wildcats on Thursday, January 9th at 5:30 PM.
Bronco Bits:
- Danelle Bishop is now 256-134 as head coach of the Broncos, including 195-90 in CCAA play. Including two previous stops at APU and CBU, Bishop is 394-219 all-time as a head coach.
- The No. 17 Broncos are now 10-2 overall and 5-1 in CCAA conference play.
- Record Watch – Breanne Ha needs just 16 more threes to pass Anna James (1999-03) for most three-point field goals made in school history (215).
- Sydney Nelson hit a collegiate high of 18 points.
- Kalaya Buggs scored a collegiate high of 15 points and 4 steals.
- The Broncos posted a season-high 83.3% from the free-throw line as a team.
BRONCOS WIN!!@cppwbb beat Cal State LA 63-53. Sydney Nelson led the Broncos with 18 points and 9 rebounds, followed by Kalaya Buggs with 15 points. #WeAreCPP pic.twitter.com/MVqJrbIB6L
— Cal Poly Pomona Broncos (@cppbroncos) January 4, 2025
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