SEASIDE, Calif. – The Cal Poly Pomona women's basketball team capped off their regular season in dominant fashion, securing a 75-59 victory over Cal State Monterey Bay at the Otter Sports Center on Saturday afternoon. With the win, the Broncos improved to 24-4 overall and 19-3 in CCAA play, solidifying their momentum heading into the postseason. The team's 19 CCAA wins ties the most in head coach Danelle Bishop's tenure at CPP, tying both the 2011 and 2019 seasons.
 
Senior guard Kalaya Buggs delivered one of the best performances of her decorated career, lighting up the scoreboard with 34 points on 9-of-17 shooting, including an impressive 6-of-10 from beyond the arc. Buggs also added six rebounds and three steals in a near-flawless 39-minute effort. Her efficiency at the free-throw line (10-of-12) played a key role in keeping the Broncos ahead throughout the contest. The senior out of Compton is now just five points away from reaching the 1,000 point total in a CPP uniform, something only 27 players have done in program history.
 
The Broncos held a slim 17-16 lead after the first 10 minutes of play, but they found their offensive rhythm in the second quarter. Behind a 58.8% shooting effort in the period, including three three-pointers, the Broncos outscored the Otters 27-18 to take a 44-34 lead into the half.
 
Cal Poly Pomona's defense took over in the third quarter, holding Monterey Bay to a mere nine points on 18.2% shooting. The Broncos capitalized on their defensive stops, extending their lead to 60-43 heading into the final period. Sydney Nelson contributed 14 points, going 6-of-11 from the free-throw line, while Cookie Marques added 11 points and eight rebounds to ensure the Broncos stayed in control.
 
Despite a late push from the Otters in the fourth quarter, the Broncos' lead was well out of reach, allowing them to hold on for their 24^th win of the season. In total, the Broncos shot 45.1% from the field and knocked down six three-pointers – all coming from Buggs - at a 46.2% clip. Defensively, the Broncos forced 18 turnovers and recorded 13 steals, frustrating the Otters' offensive game plan.
 
 
Up Next
With the regular season wrapped up, the Broncos now turn their focus to the CCAA Tournament, where they will look to continue their six-game win streak and claim a conference championship. Having finished second in the regular season standings, the Broncos have secured a bye until the semifinal round on Friday, March 7^th, at 5:30 PM. They will play the winner of No. 3 seed Chico State and No. 6 seed Cal State LA.
 
This year's tournament will be held at The Sports Center in San Marcos, the first time the venue has hosted the event since 2017. View the tournament central page for more information here.
 
 
Bronco Bits

• The Broncos are now 29-10 (.744) all-time against Cal State Monterey Bay, including 10-0 in their past 10 games.
• Danelle Bishop is now 270-136 (.665) as head coach of the Broncos, including 209-92 (.694) in CCAA play. Including two previous stops at APU and CBU, Bishop is 408-221 all-time as a head coach.
• The Broncos have now made 28 of the 29 CCAA Tournaments ever hosted since 1985 (no conference tournament from 1999-2007).
• Their 24th win of the season marks the highest win total since 2018-19.
• The Broncos' 13 road victories is their most in a season since 1987-88, and is tied for the second-most in program history.
• The team's 19^th CCAA win ties 2011 and 2019 as the highest under Bishop, and is the second most in a season in program history.
• Kalaya Buggs is just five points away from recording her 1,000^th point in a CPP uniform, something only 27 players have done in program history.