By Samantha Campion, Dec. 9, 2024
Cal Poly Pomona men’s basketball team upset the No. 5-ranked Cal State San Bernardino in the California Collegiate Athletics Association opener, and the women’s team closed out a dominant fourth quarter for its fifth straight win.
The men’s team stunned the Yotes in a 67-62 victory to remain undefeated on the road, the first win over the conference rival since 2018.
Forward Kevin Simeth delivered the Broncos’ first points of the game off a fast break in transition from a steal by guard Jaden Winfield. CPP also collected 14 defensive rebounds and three steals in the first half to stay within a 2-point margin with two minutes remaining.
The Yotes capitalized off a reckless pass by the Broncos, resulting in a layup that sparked a 5-point scoring run. But CPP closed out the first quarter with a late layup by guard Miles Lewis, cutting the deficit to five points as the Broncos trailed 32-27 heading into halftime.
CSUSB earned the first points of the half off a steal and transition layup for its largest advantage of the game with seven points. However, Guard Demarreya Lewis-Cooper sparked a series of points for the Broncos after draining a 3-pointer off an assist by Simeth and converting a defensive steal to score in the paint.
The two teams battled through the first six minutes of play, trading points and preventing their opponent from reaching above a 1-point advantage.
The Yotes’ defense awoke to shut down the Broncos’ offensive with three steals and two blocks to gain a 4-point lead at 44-40, forcing CPP to take a timeout.
Guard Sam Hunter came off the bench with three back-to-back jumpers in the paint to bring the Broncos within one-point. Hunter finished with two steals and 11 of CPP’s 24 points off the bench in only 15 minutes of play.
“I’ve tried to embrace my role as a non-starter and not having a ton of minutes each game,” said Hunter. “I’ve found success spacing the court, so I just try to stay aggressive and ready to shoot when my teammates drive down the lane.”
Forward Jordan Carpenter controlled the boards with an offensive rebound and put-back to draw the foul for a two-point play at the line.
The Broncos outscored the Yotes in rebounds 41-33 led by Simeth with eight and forward Caleb Nelson with seven.
Carpenter and Winfield built off the momentum in a dominant sequence recording three steals, one assist and five points combined to earn CPP its largest lead of the game at six points.
The Yotes answered each of the Broncos’ points with their own, outscoring CPP 13-12 in the final minutes to remain within striking distance.
CPP ceased any momentum CSUSB generated by scoring the final three points behind a fastbreak layup by Lewis-Cooper and free throw by guard Shyheim Parm to secure the upset 67-62.
Lewis-Cooper led the Broncos with 20 points followed by Parm with 14 points to round out the trio in double-digit figures.
“We just took down the No. 5 team in the nation,” Hunter said. “It feels like we can beat anyone now.”
The women’s team opened the conference season with an offensive campaign, overwhelming the Yotes 62-49.
Guard Jeanette Fine opened the scoring with a jumper in the paint. The Broncos found success early, scoring 10 of their 12 points in the first quarter in the paint after an array of offensive rebounds.
“For us, points in the paint are huge,” said head coach Danelle Bishop said. “That’s the highest percentage shot you can get. They are practicing it every day and being rewarded for it, so it’s nice to see that translate to the game.”
CSUSB built an early lead with a layup and jump shot, extending its lead to a game-high six points at 13-7.
CPP headed into the second quarter with a 1-point deficit at 13-12 before a block by guard Sydney Nelson resulted in a layup by Fine to secure the advantage.
Two consecutive three-pointers by Fine and guard Breanne Ha gave the Broncos a seven-point advantage. Ha currently stands 35 three-pointers away (180) from surpassing Anna James for most three-point field goals made in school history at 215.
“She’s a great shooter, and I know she’s going to hit this goal,” said Bishop. “It’s a great accomplishment, but it won’t make or break what she brings to this team.”
The Broncos outscored the Yotes 14-6 in the second quarter, heading into halftime with a 29-26 lead.
CSUSB slowly chipped away at the deficit, outscoring CPP 11-3 to start the third quarter and regain the lead at 30-29.
The two teams exchanged leads back and forth until midway through the fourth quarter when a three-pointer by Ha seized the final lead of the game for the Broncos.
CPP found its rhythm offensively with a demanding 19-7 scoring run to defeat CSUSB, improving to 5-1 overall and 1-0 in conference play.
Nelson led the Broncos offensively with 17 points for the fourth consecutive game, followed by Ha with 16 points and Fine with 14.
“I like the resiliency of our team so far and that people are stepping up when they need to,” said Bishop. “We are trying to figure things out, but sticking together and finding our way, that’s a sign of greatness.”
Featured image courtesy of Zachary Hurtado
