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| Cal Poly Pomona defeated Southwest Minnesota State in the opening round of the Elite 8. |
Cal Poly Pomona defeated Southwest Minnesota State 79-74 Wednesday and advances to the 2009 NCAA national semifinal game on Thursday, March 26. Tip-off is scheduled for 3 p.m. (Pacific Time). The Broncos (24-7) face Augusta State (30-4) at the MassMutual Center in Springfield, Mass.
The game will be televised on the CBS College Sports Network. Bronco Athletics and ASI will host a viewing party in the Center Court (first floor, across from Subway) of the Bronco Student Center. Drinks and snacks will be provided. If the Broncos win and advance to the championship game, the BSC will host a viewing party on Saturday, March 28 at 10 a.m. (Pacific Time) in Ursa Minor.
The Broncos' semifinals appearance is the first in the university history. Fourth-ranked Augusta State, who was last year's national runner-up, defeated Christian Brothers University 70-62 in the opening round of the Elite 8.
In the game against Southwest Minnesota State, the Broncos shot well at 56.8 percent. They generated an 18-5 rebounding advantage in the second period and drained 89.7 percent (26-for-29) of their free throws for the game.
“We've played so well over the stretch, and what's been so fun is that everyone is a part of our success,” says head coach Greg Kamansky. “This game was typical of how we have played in the tournament — particularly the BYU Hawaii. We made the adjustments at halftime and had different people step up at different times.”
Senior All-American Larry Gordon poured in 21 points and 10 rebounds. His double-double effort was his fourth straight in NCAA play and became the Broncos' all-time leading rebounder. With six minutes remaining, Gordon gathered a long rebound and surpassed Paul Scranton's mark of 935 set from 1963-66.
Gordon now has 938 for his career and is the only player in university history to have at least 1,400 points, 900 rebounds, 500 field goals, 375 free throws, 125 steals and 40 blocks.
For more information, visit https://dsa.cpp.edu/athletics.