In the last home game of the regular season, the Cal Poly women’s basketball team defeated Cal State Fullerton 63-56. Seven seniors on the team were also honored for Senior Day Saturday afternoon in Mott Athletics Center.
With the win, Cal Poly (16-11, 10-5) moved a half-game ahead of UC Irvine for second place in the Big West Conference standings while Cal State Fullerton (8-19, 3-11) remained in last place.
“This group of seniors I’ve been blessed to grow together with, they are [each] truly someone special and I’m super blessed to get to know them these past four years,” senior guard Dynn Leaupepe said. “I can consider them my sisters for life.”
The seven graduating seniors scored a combined 45 points and grabbed 30 rebounds in their final home game, despite Cal Poly committing 14 turnovers.
Video by Sawyer Milam
“Their leadership was really evident on the court today and it took the whole team to bring home [the win], but it was a typical Cal Poly win,” head coach Faith Mimnaugh said. “Ugly, but a lot of heart.”
Senior guard Lynn Leaupepe led the way, recording her 14th career double-double with a game-high 18 points and tied a career high with 14 rebounds. In her last game at Mott Athletics Center, Lynn wanted to go out with a win.
“Making this last game here at Mott count and make it one of the games I will always remember,” Lynn said. “To be with my teammates and play in front of my friends and family and all the fans that support us all season it’s just a great feeling.”
With five minutes left in the third quarter, Lynn knocked down a free throw to become No. 14 on the all-time Cal Poly scoring list.
Both teams traded leads throughout the fourth quarter, but after a pair of free throws by freshman forward Carolyn Gill gave the Titans a 56-55 lead, Cal Poly closed the game on an 8-0 run with the Leaupepe twins scoring all eight points.
In her last home game for Cal Poly, Dynn Leaupepe finished the game with 10 points as well as two blocked shots.
Cal Poly forced Cal State Fullerton into 21 turnovers and utilized a 15-2 advantage in points off of turnovers to get the victory. With the win, the Mustangs are now 11-2 at home.
Next, Cal Poly will travel to take on Hawai’i March 3 with tip-off at 9 p.m. The game will be televised on Spectrum Sports HI from the Stan Sheriff Center.