AZUSA, Calif. - In a thrilling season opener, the Cal Poly Pomona Broncos defeated Azusa Pacific 77-75 in overtime, delivering a victory defined by momentum swings, defensive intensity, and clutch play. The two teams traded leads and ties throughout regulation, with neither side able to create separation until the closing moments of overtime. Cal Poly Pomona's defensive pressure and timely scoring ultimately overcame Azusa Pacific's hot perimeter shooting and rebounding.
The first half featured constant momentum shifts, with Cal Poly Pomona asserting itself through strong interior play while the Cougars leaned on perimeter shooting to keep pace. Key contributions from multiple Broncos kept the game close, but a deep three-pointer from Azusa Pacific sent Cal Poly Pomona into halftime trailing 30-29.
The second half featured even more momentum swings. Azusa Pacific built an eight-point lead behind continued outside accuracy and rebounding, but the Broncos responded with aggressive drives, mid-range scoring, and a highlight-reel play from their interior defender. Consecutive three-pointers pushed Cal Poly Pomona in front, and both teams traded clutch baskets down the stretch. After Azusa Pacific tied the game in the final seconds, the Broncos sank two free throws to force overtime at 66-66.
In overtime, Cal Poly Pomona quickly took control with strong finishes at the rim. The Cougars trimmed the margin with a timely three-pointer, but the Broncos responded with mid-range scoring and key free throws to hold the lead. A final contested shot from Azusa Pacific fell short, securing the season-opening win.
Up Next:
The Broncos return home for their 2025-26 season home opener against Concordia University Irvine on Tuesday, November 18th at 5:30 PM.
Bronco Bits:
- Greg Kamansky is now 471-216 as the head coach of the Broncos
- The Broncos are 6-6 all time against Azusa Pacific
- Now in its 78th season, CPP Men's Basketball is 1,167-924 all-time with a 508-416 record in CCAA games
- There were 18 lead changes and 9 ties in the game
- Cal Poly Pomona forced 26 turnovers, converting them into 20 points off turnovers
