By James Oliden, Feb. 8, 2022
On Feb. 3 Cal Poly Pomona men’s basketball secured a win against Cal State University, Chico with a score of 71-67. After losing four out of the last five games played, the win improves CPP’s record this season, leaving them at 8-7 with seven games remaining.
The Broncos began stagnant offensively, shooting 42% from the field and 30% from behind the arc. The Bronco’s hopes were looking grim after an early turnover 17 seconds into the game, but after an early three-pointer by guard BJ Standley and an easy layup by guard Tavian Henderson, the Broncos were right back in the game.
Despite the early offensive struggles, the Broncos held it down defensively, holding CSU Chico to 37% from the field to help take the lead at the half with a score of 27-23.
Head Coach Greg Kamansky was thrilled about the team’s effort in the win.
“We played as physical as we needed to be to win this game and really came out with a good mentality,” said Kamansky. “This win just feels good, you know?”
In the second half, both teams came out firing with baskets being traded back and forth.
Henderson led the Broncos with a career high of 19 points along with seven rebounds. Despite the impressive game, Henderson explained he still has some areas of his game where he wants to improve.
“I had too many turnovers,” said Henderson. “I think I had five, so I got to clean that up. I’m just trying to find any way possible to help my team win.”
Henderson’s emphatic dunk increased CPP’s lead to 65-58 with four and a half minutes left, effectively sealing the victory.
Guard Christopher Mitchell stepped up and aided the Broncos with an impactful 17 points and five rebounds. With under seven minutes remaining in the game and the Broncos only up by three, Mitchell scored an and-one jumper and nailed the free throw to increase the lead to six points.
Chico State answered immediately with an and-one of their own to cut the lead to three. With just over five minutes remaining, Mitchell came back with force and scored a jumper to bring the lead to 63-58.
“The energy was amazing to be honest; we were all feeding off of each other,” said Mitchell. “The second half, the momentum really changed. The defense stepped up.”
The game concluded with a 71-67 score, with the Broncos taking the win.
Winning has not been easy for the Broncos after starting out 5-1 on the season. With seven games remaining on the schedule, the team is hopeful the momentum from the victory can carry over to the rest of the season.
The Broncos will face California State University, Los Angeles at the Cal State L.A. University Gym on Feb. 10. To watch CPP men’s basketball take on local rivals, visit the CCAA website.
Feature photo courtesy of CPP Athletics.
