ROHNERT PARK, Calif. -The Broncos pulled out a hard-fought 76-68 victory over Sonoma State on Saturday night. Both Sydney Nelson and Kalaya Buggs scored over 25 points to secure the overtime win against the Seawolves. The Cal Poly Pomona women's basketball team now boasts a 10-5 record in conference play, placing them in third place in the CCAA with a .667 win percentage.

The game started slowly, as the Broncos could only find 11 points in the first quarter while also holding the Seawolves to a mere 20% shooting from the field for just six points. Despite trailing after the first quarter, the Seawolves found their rhythm from beyond the arc, sinking three-pointers and outscoring the Broncos 19-16. Consistent free throws by Buggs and Nelson maintained the lead for the Broncos going into halftime, 27-25.

The break seemed to invigorate the home side, as the Seawolves opened the third quarter with a 13-point unanswered run. Kayla Keshmeshian's three-pointer with 4:52 remaining in the third finally broke the streak and revitalized the Broncos' offense. Although the Seawolves' largest lead of the quarter was 11 points, the Broncos managed to chip away at the deficit, and two successful free throws by Nelson cut the lead to just one with 56 seconds remaining.

Sydney Nelson posted a double-double with an impressive 27 points, shooting 53.8% from the field, and a season-high 15 rebounds, including 5 defensive boards.

Buggs opened the scoring in the fourth quarter with a lay-up to regain the lead for the Broncos. Although the Seawolves quickly regained the lead, the Broncos' offense continued to score, shooting 43.8% from the field. With 2:37 on the clock, a successful three-pointer by Buggs put the Broncos ahead by one point, 53-52. With 1:15 remaining, the score was tied at 55-55. Buggs then converted two free throws with 26 seconds left, giving the Broncos a two-point lead. However, with just one second left on the clock, a lay-up by the Seawolves tied the game, sending it into overtime.

Breanne Ha kicked off the scoring in overtime by sinking a crucial three-pointer. The Seawolves remained within striking distance, trailing 61-64 with 1:52 left when Buggs sank two free throws to extend the Broncos' lead. Buggs contributed 11 of the 18 Broncos' points in overtime, finishing the game with 28 points overall.

The final seconds of overtime were marked by numerous fouls as the Seawolves fought to regain the lead, but the Broncos ultimately secured the victory with a final score of 76-68.

In a game decided by tight margins, the Broncos scored 18 second-chance points compared to the Seawolves' 3. Additionally, the Broncos capitalized on fastbreak opportunities, converting 16 points to the Seawolves' 11.


Up Next
On Thursday, February 8th, the Broncos are set to return home, facing off against the Chico State Wildcats at 5:30 pm. Presently holding the second spot in the CCAA, the Wildcats boast an impressive record of 11-4 in the CCAA and 15-6 overall. In their previous encounter, the Broncos witnessed four players scoring in double digits, leading to a hard-fought 89-85 triumph.


Bronco Bits

• Kalaya Buggs surpassed the 600-point milestone in her college career, with 603 points between both Cal Poly Pomona and Coastal Carolina. 
• Buggs currently sits in 10th place in the CCAA for averaging 14.5 points per game, with a season tally of 275 points.
• Sydney Nelson closely follows Buggs, ranking 12th in the CCAA with an average of 13.8 points per game.
• Head Coach Danelle Bishop now holds an impressive coaching record of 240-128 (.652).
• Breanne Ha claims the 5th position in the CCAA for her remarkable 3-PT Field Goal Percentage of .374.