LA JOLLA, Calif. – A showdown of the nationally ranked No. 5 Broncos and the No. 13 Tritons ended with a 72-69 UC San Diego victory on Saturday in La Jolla. It marked the first loss of the 2015-16 season for the Cal Poly Pomona squad while the 12-straight wins represented the best start in program history. 
 
The loss drops CPP to a 12-1 overall record and the Broncos carry a 5-1 record in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA), a record that ties them for first place.
 
UC San Diego, the home team in the contest, improves to a 10-2 record on the season and the Tritons carry an identical 5-1 record in conference play. The Broncos, Tritons and the Chico State Wildcats are locked in a three-way tie atop the CCAA.
 
With a double-double in the contest, the Broncos' offense and defense were both led by Jordan Faison. The senior Lake Forest native tallied 23 points on seven baskets from the field and eight free throws. His defense prowess was showcased as he recorded 12 rebounds.
 
Two other members of CPP's squad reached double-digit points in the game as Chris Sullivan tallied 11 and Barry Bell posted 10. The Broncos as a team shot 41.8% in the contest and the nationally ranked defense of head coach Greg Kamansky limited the Tritons to 39.7% shooting from the field.
 
Both squads came to play in the contest as there were eight lead changes and seven score ties. As they have shown all season long, the Broncos are extremely skilled under the basket, posting 34 points to the Tritons' 22.

CPP shut down the Tritons' bench players as they recorded zero baskets in the contest despite taking 10 shots. The Broncos proved more adept under the net on offense as well as they recorded 13 second chance points and limited the home team to just five.
 
Despite the opening basket going the Broncos' way as well as much of the first half, the Tritons defended RIMAC Arena well and fought back. At halftime, the Broncos held a four point lead after a Jeremy Dennis three finished the half.
 
In the second half, the Tritons opened up with six immediate points to take the lead from CPP. Try as they might, the Broncos would only again tie the game, never take the lead. The Green and Gold did come a mere shot back in the game's waning seconds, but UCSD held them off and secured the three-point win for the Broncos' first loss of the season.
 
 CPP will return to action on Jan. 7 at 7:30 as they host the Stanislaus State Warriors at Kellogg Arena. The contest  will be the first of a two-game home stand that ends on Jan. 9 with the Broncos hosting Chico State.
 
Saturday's game against the Wildcats will mark Heroes Night for CPP athletics as Police, Fire and Military personnel will receive free admission as a thanks for the selflessness of their actions and the services provided.