Fresh off a thrilling 23-point comeback at home versus Denver University, Cal Poly Men’s Basketball looks to keep their momentum rolling on the road to finish their 2024 calendar.
The win snapped a three-game losing streak for Cal Poly while returning some key players from injury.
The next opponent in their sights is the University of Nebraska-Omaha Mavericks.
The Mustangs are currently sitting at 6-7 this season, still looking for their first Big West victory (0-2).
Offense continues to roll
Offense has been a fiery theme for this 2024-25 Cal Poly team. They boast the top-scoring offense in the Big West, with 84.1 points per game.
First-year head coach Mike DeGeorge has turned the Mustangs into a quick-hitting force with their run-and-gun style of play.
Graduate guard Jarred Hyder is seamlessly adapting to the new system.
Hyder was a catalyst in the comeback at home versus Denver, marking a new career-high with 29 points on the night, draining eight three-pointers on the night and a new career-best as well.
Hyder has missed a few games but now looks back to 100% healthy. He has been averaging 15.5 points per game, the second most for this Mustang squad.
Leading this Cal Poly team in points is graduate forward Owen Koonce.
Koonce has been a steady contributor all year, making his mark on every game for the Mustangs. Currently averaging 18.4 points per game.
The Colorado native closed out the game against Denver University, knocking down big shots down the stretch, and in overtime, Koonce finished with 21 points in the victory.
One of the nation’s best shooters, graduate guard Issac Jessup, played in his first game back from a three-game absence.
Jessup is amongst the best shooters, shooting 46.7% from three-point range this season. His re-emergence to the lineup was a big help for the Mustangs.
Jessup added 12 points versus Denver in his return.
Stacking up against Omaha
Cal Poly and Omaha have played twice previously, the Mustangs prevailing in both matchups, the most recent being a 66-53 final in 2023.
The Omaha Mavericks are 4-9 this year and are coming off a 30-point loss versus No. 3 Iowa State.
Omaha’s main attack comes from the likes of senior forward Marquel Sutton.
Sutton has strength and versatility in his 6 feet 9-inch frame. He scores most of his points inside but is not afraid to step out and pull from deep.
The Mavericks don’t shoot or score efficiently as a team. They score just under 68 points per game, shooting 42% from the field and 34% from three-point range.
On the other side of the ball, Omaha is a below-average defensive team that forces just six steals and one block per game.
The Mustangs will look to take care of the ball, finish possessions, and mount an early lead to make this a tough game for the Mavericks.
This will be Cal Poly’s final non-conference game of the season, with a victory Cal Poly can secure their first winning record in non-conference action in a season since the 2011-12 season.
The game tips off at 6 p.m. on Friday at Baxter Arena.
