- Isaac Jessup drains 7 three-pointers at 70% efficiency
- Mustangs shoot 56% from field in season-high offensive output
- Cal Poly improves home record to 9-4 in conference play
- Both teams face critical matchups before conference tournament
In a commanding display of offensive firepower, Cal Poly basketball (12-18, 6-12 Big West) closed their regular season with a 98-72 victory over Central Valley rival CSU Bakersfield on Saturday. The Mustangs' 56% field goal percentage marked their best shooting performance since November 2022, with sophomore guard Isaac Jessup delivering a career-defining 21-point showcase from beyond the arc.
Jessup's 7-for-10 three-point shooting (70%) energized the Mott Athletics Center crowd of 3,812, creating momentum shifts that CSU Bakersfield (13-18, 7-12) never countered. When you have multiple shooters finding their rhythm, it creates defensive nightmares,said Mustangs head coach Paul Graham in post-game comments. This is the offensive identity we've been building toward all season.
The victory carries particular significance for Central Coast basketball programs competing in the Big West Conference's Northern Division. Cal Poly's 42 three-point attempts marked a 38% increase over their season average, reflecting growing league-wide emphasis on perimeter scoring. Sports analytics firm HoopMetrics reports West Coast NCAA teams now average 24.3 three-point attempts per game, up 17% from 2020 levels.
Three Critical Insights from Saturday's Matchup:
1. Bench Production Advantage: Cal Poly's reserves outscored CSU Bakersfield's 29-11, led by Owen Koonce's 14-point contribution in 18 minutes
2. Defensive Transition: The Mustangs converted 18 Roadrunner turnovers into 22 fast-break points
3. Regional Rivalry Impact: Central California matchups account for 34% of Big West Conference ticket revenue according to 2023 NCAA financial reports
With Thursday's conference tournament looming, both teams face strategic decisions. Cal Poly hosts Cal State Fullerton (15-15, 8-10) in a battle of contrasting styles - the Titans rank second in conference defensive efficiency. CSU Bakersfield returns home to face Hawaii's potent transition offense, needing a win to avoid becoming the first 7th-seeded team in Big West tournament history.