What a moment in the game! Kieran Elliott took a charge so hard that his right shoe flew off. This defensive effort was just one of many highlights for Cal Poly Men’s Basketball as they faced off against the University of Hawai’i.
Despite a spirited effort, the Mustangs (7-12, 3-4 Big West) fell short, losing 86-68 in Mott Athletic Center. They started strong, but Hawai’i’s impressive defense created challenges. Quick shooting showed promise early on, but the Mustangs struggled to find their rhythm against one of the best defenses in college basketball.
Guards Jake Davis and Hamad Mousa each scored a pair of three-pointers, but overall, the team shot 7-22 from beyond the arc. They reached halftime down only five points, thanks to some crucial defensive stops.
Unfortunately, Davis couldn’t continue. He took an elbow to the nose late in the first half, leaving him bloody and needing stitches.
The second half didn’t start well for Cal Poly. They managed just one basket in the first five minutes, while Hawai’i launched a 13-4 run. The momentum shifted dramatically when Dre Bullock wowed the crowd with a stunning 360-degree dunk.
The energy in the gym spiked at moments, especially when Aaron Price Jr. threw down three impressive dunks for a total of six points. Yet, every time Cal Poly threatened to gain ground, Hawai’i answered back with key shots. Coach Mike DeGeorge pointed out the team’s emotional immaturity, noting, “They get out of whack with a call they don’t like. We’re just not the same team we are at practice.”
In the end, Cal Poly’s three-point struggle continued, finishing just 1-10 in the second half from long range. Mousa led the team with 17 points, while Jackson Mosley and Price Jr. brought energy off the bench with a combined 14 points.
It’s tough to watch a game go this way. But with a bye week coming up, the Mustangs have time to regroup before their Blue-Green rivalry game against UC Santa Barbara on January 22. This matchup always brings its own excitement, giving Cal Poly a chance to reset and fight back.
In recent news, teams in the Big West have seen mixed results this season. According to a report by the NCAA, a significant number of teams are relying heavily on three-point shooting, which can sometimes backfire, as seen in this game. Only time will tell how Cal Poly adjusts and what lessons they carry into their next game.
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big west,Cal Poly mens basketball,Hamad Mousa,Kieran Elliot,Mike DeGeorge,Mott Athletics Center,University of Hawaii
