Against one of college basketball’s top programs, Cal Poly Men’s Basketball’s strong effort wasn’t enough as the Mustangs (1-1) fell to No. 5 Arizona, 104-84.
In Cal Poly’s first road matchup of the 2026-27 season, the team was instantly put to the test, but costly turnovers, early foul trouble and a major size difference proved to be too much for the Mustangs.
Early in the first half, Hamad Mousa kept the team afloat, scoring 10 out of Cal Poly’s first 11 points. Despite foul trouble, including two from Cayden Ward within the first minute of the game, Cal Poly’s scrappy play kept them in reach early.
While Cal Poly overcame multiple turnovers in Monday’s game against Cal State San Marcos, the team couldn’t do the same against the Wildcats (1-1). Multiple turnovers led to a 25-5 run by Arizona, and Cal Poly couldn’t claw back as they were outmatched in the paint.
Heading into halftime, the Mustangs trailed 41-59. Despite shooting 50% from beyond the arc, 14 turnovers and a 12-18 rebound deficit held them back.
Cal Poly slowed things down in the second half. The Mustangs cut down on turnovers and kept getting good looks, but the shots weren’t falling to get back in the game.
While the team tightened its defense in the second half, it still didn’t have an answer for Arizona’s big man from Lithuania, Motiejus Krivas, who scored a career-high 30 points.
Mousa stayed hot in the second half, finishing with 30 points, including eight threes on a highly efficient night. Sophomore Jason Scott also had a strong game, totaling 17 points with five threes.
Austin Goode filled the stat sheet on both sides of the ball. The sophomore out of Ontario, Canada recorded five points, four rebounds, two assists and a team-high three steals. Jess Esso Essis added 10 points on 4-for-9 from the field as the third Mustang to hit double digits.
Although Cal Poly didn’t get the upset, Head Coach Mike DeGeorge kept the team playing hard until the final whistle, signaling optimism as they continue their four-game road trip.
The Mustangs will be back in action on Wednesday, Nov. 11, at Grand Canyon, looking to return to the win column.