Cal Poly races past UC Davis, loses Eversley

Cal Poly freshman Zach Gordon goes up for a dunk during Cal Poly’s win on Saturday night. By Owen Main

After Dylan Royer lit-up UC Davis for 6 3-pointers in the first half, he only needed to contribute two in the second as the Mustangs mostly-cruised to a 68-53 victory on Saturday.

But Royer’s career high nor the Cal Poly victory were the main story after the game. Instead, the talk was centered around Cal Poly junior forward Chris Eversley, who left the game late in the first half with a leg injury and did not return. Eversley remained on the end of the bench during the game, ice wrapped around his shoe-less lower leg. He was taken for X-rays after the game.

The loss of Eversley for any length of time would be a crushing blow to the Mustangs, who have had every other key contributor battle streaks of less-than-effective play this season. Eversley has been the rock for Cal Poly, both with his production and his leadership. It’s hard to imagine a scenario where the Mustangs win three straight games in Anaheim without him.

Cal Poly fans, reveling in their 11-game home conference winning streak, will be on the edge of their collective seats, waiting to hear Eversley’s status and prognosis. After the game, head coach Joe Callero said the injury could keep Eversley out for 3-4 days, 3-4 weeks, or the season.

UPDATE: Here’s Callero’s post-game tweet:

Good news x-rays on Chris Eversley leg were negative – no broken bones at this time more evaluation of leg and X-rays next 48 hours

— Joe Callero (@CoachCallero) February 10, 2013

Speaking of the fans, they showed up in the largest numbers this season. A crowd of 2,600 filled the “General Admission” side of Mott Athletic Center, with only a few seats behind the UC Davis bench left unfilled. Dylan Royer said after the game that the crowd has been the most consistent during his years at Cal Poly.

Photos by Owen Main

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