Cal Poly Men's Basketball was on the verge of a significant win, leading by 14 points with just over four minutes left. But the Eagles fought back, cutting the deficit to one with under a minute remaining and sending the Mustangs reeling. However, freshman guard Peter Bandelj stepped up and scored the last six points to secure an 82-78 victory. Bandelj has quickly become an important part of the team, leading the second unit with nine points per game.

Another Team Effort

After their last game against Seattle where four players scored double digits, Cal Poly put on another complete team effort against the Eagles. Five players scored 10 or more points, with graduate swingman Owen Koonce leading the way with 19 points and graduate forward Mac Riniker contributing 15 points while playing crucial defense. This shows the team's ability to perform as a unit and contribute in different ways.

Changing Shooting Pace

In the first five games of last season, Cal Poly attempted 77 three-point shots. But after the fifth game this season, they have already attempted 148, nearly doubling their pace from last year. This change in shooting pace shows the team's increased confidence and willingness to take more shots from beyond the arc. It also indicates their adaptability and willingness to adjust their game plan based on the opponent.

Turnover Challenges

Cal Poly came into the game as one of the most turnover-prone teams in the nation, with 17.8 turnovers per game. Against Eastern Washington, they raised that mark to 22 turnovers. However, under new head coach Mike DeGeorge, the team did a better job creating live ball turnovers with 15 steals compared to 16 total over the last two games. Senior guard Isaac Jessup led the team with six steals and five assists, showing his defensive prowess and ability to impact the game on both ends.

Upcoming Tough Stretch

With the win against Eastern Washington, Cal Poly extended their winning streak to three after losing the season's first two games to San Francisco and Cal. Now, they face a tough four-game stretch with games against Arizona State, Saint Mary's, and Stanford before opening up Big West play. This upcoming stretch will be a true test of the team's ability to maintain their winning momentum and perform against tough opponents. Cal Poly will have a chance to extend their winning streak against the Arizona State Sun Devils on Wednesday, Nov. 20, at 6 p.m. in Tempe. This game will be a crucial test for the team as they look to continue their upward trajectory.