Cal Poly Men’s Basketball prevailed after a slow start, 82-79, on Tuesday, Nov. 26 at Mott Athletics Center.
The Mustangs (4-4) limited second-chance opportunities from the Tigers (1-5) and prevailed despite Grambling State shooting 50% from three.
The reigning Southwestern Athletic Conference champions jumped out to an early 17-10 lead with 12 minutes left in the first half. One of the slowest teams in the nation forced the Mustangs to slow down themselves.
Once Cal Poly could run out in transition after creating turnovers, the tides turned, and Cal Poly entered the halftime break up by double digits.
The Tigers clawed back slowly but surely, tying the game at 69 each with six minutes left in the game.
Although the Mustangs quickly regained the advantage on senior guard Isaac Jessup’s fifth three-pointer of the night, they could not gain any real separation.
With 22 seconds to go, the shot clock off and down one, Grambling got the ball in SWAC preseason player of the year Kintavious Dozier’s hands.
Graduate student guard Mac Riniker, who has answered the call defensively all year long, shut down Dozier’s layup attempt with a block from behind to stay a perfect 4-0 at home.
Cal Poly protected the basketball better than they had all year. Their eight turnovers are half of their season average.
Despite facing yet another height disadvantage against the Tigers, Cal Poly grabbed 37 rebounds and held Grambling to only eight offensive rebounds.
The Mustangs were on the positive end on the rebound margin after being outrebounded by a combined 39 by Arizona State and Saint Mary’s.
Riniker finished with 12 points on an efficient 6-for-9 shooting to accompany his timely defense. Jessup and graduate swingman Owen Koonce finished with 17 points.
Graduate guard Jarred Hyder led the team with seven assists, his highest mark this year. Fellow graduate forward Luka Tarlac had 10 points off the bench.
The Mustangs’ tough schedule continues as they face a 6-1 Stanford, who has wins over Big West members UC Davis and Cal State Fullerton.
That game takes place on Saturday, Nov. 30, at the Maples Pavilion in Stanford at 7 p.m.
