POMONA, CA - The Cal Poly Pomona Broncos clinched their inaugural win of the season in a matchup against the Point Loma Sea Lions during their second game of the season and final game of the CCAA/PacWest Challenge on a late Saturday night, concluding with a 75-66 victory.
Commencing the game, the Broncos faced a sluggish start against the 1-0 Point Loma Sea Lions, who had narrowly defeated San Marcos the previous night by a score of 75-73. Head Coach Danelle Bishop fielded the same starting five as the preceding night, featuring Breanne Ha, Jeanette Fine, Kalaya Buggs, Andrea Stajic, and Sydney Fedinec to challenge this Sea Lion team.
Sydney Nelson initiated the scoring for the Broncos by banking one off the backboard. In her second collegiate game, Nelson demonstrated dominance on the court, amassing 23 points, 3 steals, 7 rebounds, and clocking 33 minutes of play.
The tempo of the game crackled with electricity as the Broncos aimed for their first win of the season. They asserted control, receiving crucial contributions from Jeanette Fine, who worked tenaciously in the key, securing 10 rebounds for the team.
The Broncos exhibited proficiency from all areas of the arc, nailing a total of 11 threes, with Breanne Ha contributing six alone. Sydney Fedinec and Andrea Stajic each scored a pair of threes, making significant shots in clutch moments to gain separation when the Sea Lions closed within five points.
Employing a high press, the Broncos troubled the Sea Lions, resulting in 11 steals during the game. The Broncos capitalized on the Sea Lions' errors, with a total of 32 rebounds, 23 coming on defense.
Fine's block in the second quarter ignited the bench and fueled the Broncos' offensive surge. The team pulled ahead by as much as 16 points. Breanne Ha, left unguarded at the arc, furthered her three-point success, leading the team with 24 points, shooting 9 for 16 from the field (56.3%). Ha also played the most minutes (39) and recorded the team's steals (4).
The third quarter presented a slow start for the Broncos as the Sea Lions emerged reinvigorated. However, the Broncos, led by Nelson down low, maintained composure in order to fend off the Sea Lions.
In the final quarter, the Broncos regained control, extending their lead to 17 points after another three-pointer from Ha. Successfully running out the clock, the Broncos concluded the game with a 75-66 triumph, marking their first win of the season.
Up Next
The Broncos are set to return to their home court on Friday, November 17th, at 5:30 pm, where they will take on the Bethesda Flames. The Flames, currently 0-1 this season, will be gearing up with two games preceding the Friday matchup against the Broncos.
Bronco Bits
- In career matchups against Point Loma, the Broncos hold a balanced record of 5 wins and 5 losses.
- Over the last five years, the team has emerged victorious in 4 out of 5 games against the Sea Lions.
- The Broncos secured their largest margin of victory against the Sea Lions on November 12th, 2022, with a 72-51 win.
- Breanne Ha and Sydney Nelson currently lead the team in points scored this season, amassing an impressive 36 points each.
- Sydney Nelson recorded 24 points in only her second collegiate game.
