SAN BERNARDINO – In a game the CSUSB Yotes absolutely refused to let get away, the Coyotes defeated Cal Poly Pomona 95-94 in overtime in a game critical to CCAA and West Region positioning.
The Yotes (15-4, 10-3 CCAA) fell behind in the first half, but a buzzer beating putback from
Daytone Jennings in regulation and a ridiculous go-ahead made three from
Jeremy Smith while being fouled with three seconds left fueled the vital win.
"They are a great team and it did come down to one possession," Smith said. "
Jordan Mitchell just gave me the ball and I shot it. I prepared hard this morning for this game, and it felt like it was going all net."
It was Smith who led the way with 31 points and seven assists. Jennings added 22 and 11 rebounds for the double-double.
Jordan Mitchell scored 15 and
Richard Laku had 11.
The Yotes started the second half on a surge and the game was a back and forth affair just five minutes the second half. The Broncos (13-5, 9-4 CCAA) grabbed a lead late in regulation, but Jennings chased down the rebound and converted the putback as the clock expired to force OT.
The Coyotes started overtime strong, but with 32 seconds left the Broncos led by five. Laku kept CSUSB in it with a three, and the Yotes forced a CPP turnover with 11 seconds to setup Smith's game winner.
The Coyotes dominated the glass 45-31, and shot 51 percent from the field, and overcame 13 made threes from the Broncos. The Yotes also dominated points in the paint, 48-22, and shot 64 percent from three.
The Yotes moved into third place in the CCAA alone and stay at home next week, hosting Sonoma State on Thursday at 7:30 pm. Live links are on CSUSBathletics.com.
