Cal Poly hoops splits the weekend

After grinding out a 58-53 win against UC Davis on Thursday night, Cal Poly men’s basketball rallied from a 14 point deficit with 11 minutes to play, but fell in overtime to CSUN 75-71. After splitting the two home games last weekend, the Mustangs are now 10-16 overall and 4-9 in Big West Conference play.

Reese Morgan has been heating up lately. By Owen Main

Morgan heating-up

It’s nice to see Reese Morgan playing well. The fifth-year senior guard has scored in double-digits in each of Cal Poly’s last six games and is averaging 18 points per game over his last four. When he can spot-up and get more open shots, Morgan can be as deadly a shooter as anybody, but it’s been hard for him without a ton of other creators on the floor. Jaylen Shead’s increased minutes (see below) have provided a nice back court compliment for Reese.

Shead seeing more time

Freshman point guard Jaylen Shead is getting more minutes, and they seem to be paying off. Shead is athletic and strong enough to keep opposition guards in front of him and also rebounds very well for a point guard. Over the weekend, Shead averaged 6 points, 8.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game. He has shown he can make free throws in the clutch and given Joe Callero no reason to take him out. He’s played 25-plus minutes in each of the past seven games and played 30-plus minutes in each of the past three.

Jaylen Shead has had an increased presence on the floor over the past few games. By Owen Main

Awards Banquet

Cal Poly will hold their awards banquet a little earlier than normal this year. On Friday night, the team and public will gather at the PAC to name their award winners and to honor retiring play-by-play announcer Tom Barket. Barket has been with Cal Poly for about a decade, calling football, basketball, and baseball for over half that time. Tom has always been great to this website, contributing on the podcast at least 3-4 times, and I know I’ll miss him around Cal Poly sports.

Mott Mania

Cal Poly’s final contest of the season at Mott Athletics Center will be Saturday night when they face Cal State Fullerton. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00pm.

The Mustangs are 5-6 at home so far this season (10-16 overall) and will try to clinch a .500 home record with a victory against the Titans.

So you’re telling me there’s a chance?!

With Saturday’s loss, Cal Poly will have a losing record in the Big West for the third consecutive season, but not all hope is lost. Two years ago, the Mustangs finished conference play 6-10 and was a seven seed in the conference tournament when they won four games in a row and made it to the NCAA Tournament’s second round. It’s not something fans, coaches, or players can count on, but I guess it’s nice to know that it can be done.

Women win a pair

Cal Poly women’s basketball had a successful road weekend, beating Cal State Fullerton and CSUN on the road. Their conference record now stands at 6-7 as they fight for a higher seed in next month’s Big West Tournament.

Photos from the UC Davis game by Owen Main. Click here to see all photos.