Cal Poly defeats UC Davis 84-78
Cal Poly Edges UC Davis in Thrilling Conference Showdown
The Mott Athletics Center was abuzz on Sunday evening as the Cal Poly Mustangs welcomed the visiting UC Davis Aggies, looking to pull off a crucial conference victory. The 84-78 win marked a stunning comeback for Cal Poly, who trailed by 10 points at halftime before staging an epic second-half surge.
Coming into the game, all eyes were on the Mustangs' ability to contain the high-powered UC Davis offense. However, it was Cal Poly's own offense that ultimately proved decisive, as Hamad Mousa led the way with a career-high 24 points, including 2-8 three-point shooting and 42.9% field goal efficiency.
Mousa's impressive performance was complemented by 10 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 steal, showcasing his versatility as a threat on both ends of the court. His playmaking ability allowed Cal Poly to maintain possession and exploit UC Davis' defense, which struggled to contain the Mustangs' inside-outside attack.
In contrast, Carl Daughtery Jr. led UC Davis with 18 points on 60% shooting from the field, but his efforts were often hindered by a lack of support from his teammates. Nils Cooper provided some respite off the bench, scoring 18 points and adding 7 rebounds and 5 assists.
The turning point in the game came at halftime, when Cal Poly erased the 10-point deficit to trail 30-40. From that moment on, it was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading baskets and neither able to pull away conclusively. The Mustangs' ability to limit UC Davis' three-point attempts and force turnovers helped them stay ahead in the second half.
In the end, Cal Poly's 6-point victory margin proved significant, as they earned crucial conference points against a tough opponent. The win marked a statement from the Mustangs, who demonstrated their ability to overcome adversity and close out games on the road.
For UC Davis, the loss was a tough pill to swallow, particularly after squandering a halftime lead. The Aggies will need to regroup and refocus if they hope to return to winning form against stiff competition in the Big West Conference.
The matchup also provided context for Cal Poly's growing reputation as a force to be reckoned with in the conference. With this win, the Mustangs continue to build momentum towards a strong second half of the season.