Cal Poly women’s basketball moves to 4-4, entertains in the process

Since I started watching them a few years ago, one thing has always been the case about Faith Mimnaugh’s Cal Poly women’s basketball team — almost every game is really entertaining to watch.

Last night, Mimnaugh’s team played at their usual high-tempo, besting the San Francisco Dons 76-65.

The game featured last year’s Big West Conference player of the year, Molly Schlemer, who poured-in 18 second-half points and finished with 21 points and 10 rebounds. Jonae Ervin and Ariana Elegado also had really good games, proving why Cal Poly should probably be the favorite to win the conference again this season.

It was the first time I’ve seen Mimnaugh’s team in-person this year, so here are some keys to the game and some generalizations I’m willing to make after game-eight of the 2013-14 season.

Along with Jonae Ervin, Ariana Elegado (pictured) is really skilled at driving to the basket. By Owen Main

Depth

This team seems really deep. They bring in two athletic players who are above six feet tall off the bench. Freshmen Maddison Allen (6’4″ – Brisbane, Australia) and Hannah Gilbert (6′ 3″ – Morro Bay, CA) coming into the game together means that Cal Poly can take their starting front-court, which includes the 6′ 5″ Schlemer, out of the game and get bigger overall on their front line.

Gilbert and Allen both move really well for post players and seem to play really solid defense. Gilbert seems to have a decently-polished offensive game, too, meaning that the Mustangs have four post players who can really dominate at least one end of the floor at any given time.

Last night, in a close game, Cal Poly played 11 players, nine of whom played double-digit minutes. When you play with the pace this team does, you need depth and depth is definitely something they have.

Shooting

Guards Jonae Ervin and Ariana Elegado have proven over the past few years that they can score as effectively as Schlemer on any given night. To compliment their drives and Schlemer’s post presence, Cal Poly has a number of players they can spot-up around the perimeter. Junior Kristen Ale and sophomore Beth Balbierz seem to always be open with all the attention Schlemer, Ervin, and Elegado draw collectively.

Lefties

This team sometimes plays three left-handed players at the same time. Allen, Balbierz and Ale are all southpaws (am I missing anyone?), providing a little different look for opposing defenders.

The “Big 3”

Whoever is in the game throughout the first 30 minutes, you know seniors Schlemer and Ervin along with Elegado — a junior — will be in the thick of things at the end. Last night, they collectively racked-up 44 points, 19 rebounds, and 10 assists. Together, they are the main reason why Cal Poly should be a strong contender to win the Big West regular season title for third time in four years en route to the Big West Conference Tournament, where they’ll contend for back-to-back titles this season.