Broncos fall to Western Washington in Las Vegas
By Michelle Gardner
Staff Writer
LAS VEGAS - Cal Poly Pomona coach Greg Kamansky wasn't quite sure
whether or not the 17-day layoff would help or hurt his team heading
into the Great Western Shootout. It didn't take him long to find out.
The Broncos were soundly beaten by Western Washington 73-64 Tuesday
at the Centennial Hills Center in a game that wasn't as close as the
score indicates. They will be looking for a better outcome in today's
2 p.m. game against Central Washington.
``We just got thrashed from top to bottom,'' Kamansky said. ``They
were the better team, no doubt about it. We went completely blank on
offense. We did that against San Francisco State. We did it against
Vanguard and we did it again tonight.''
The Broncos (1-4) led early at 14-8 but that lead lasted only
seven minutes. The Vikings pulled even when junior center Zach Bruce
scored inside to tie the game at 19. The Vikings (7-1) took the lead
for good moments later on a put back by junior forward Calin Schell.
Western Washington, which has won seven straight games since
losing its season opener to Cal State San Bernardino, led 23-19 when
Kevin Neveau scored inside with 6:12 left in the half to cut the
deficit to two, 23-21.
But the Vikings reeled off the last 10 points of the half and the
first eight of the second half, going up 41-21 on a jumper from the
baseline by Derrick Webb. The scoring drought of 9:35 finally ended
on two free throws by Larry Gordon but the Broncos were never in
striking distance again.
Western Washington, out of the Great Northwest Athletic
Conference, maintained a double-digit lead most of the second half.
The Broncos didn't get within single digits until Gordon hit a pair
of free throws with 30 seconds left.
Cal Poly Pomona shot 42.6 percent (23-for-54) but managed just 36
percent (9-for-25) in the first half. Angelo Tsagarakis had a
team-high 19 points, including three 3-pointers. He also snagged
eight rebounds and had four assists. Gordon added 15 with 10 rebounds
but all of his points and seven boards came in the second half.
Kamansky cited the layoff for the sluggish performance.
``I hate to use that as an excuse but we definitely looked like we
haven't played in two weeks,'' he said. ``Our schedule has been
erratic and we just haven't been able to get in a rhythm.''
Western Washington, which shot 474 percent (27-for-57) was sparked
by a local product as former Fontana High standout Ira Graham who
tallied 14 points, 12 of those in the first half. He also collected
five assists and a steal.
Graham, who leads the GNAC in scoring, admits he likes playing
against the local teams.
``I definitely get more focused, more excited when I play the
local teams,'' the junior guard said. ``I had a lot of family here so
it made it even better.''
Kamansky added that the pressure is on to win the second game in
the tournament. Teams from the CCAA and the GNAC battle for playoff
berths in the Division II West Regional in March so this weekend's
games will have an impact.
``We aren't leaving ourselves a lot of room for error,'' he said.
``Right now we don't look like a good team.''
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