Cal Poly men’s basketball grinds out 58-53 Big West Conference victory over UC Davis

For the first time in more than a month, the Cal Poly men’s basketball team walked off the court at Mott Athletics Center with a victory.

The Mustangs grinded out a 58-53 win against UC Davis in a Big West Conference matchup Thursday night, marking Cal Poly’s first victory at home since defeating Long Beach State during the first week of conference play.

Senior guard Reese Morgan scored a game-high 15 points and went 6 for 6 at the free-throw line in the final 25 seconds to put the game away. The win ended a string of five consecutive losses to the Aggies, and improved the Mustangs’ record to 10-15 overall and 4-8 in the Big West.

“This is the kind of game that we’ve lost a lot this year,” Morgan said. “So, I think it is a big testament to our character and our growth that we’re able to pull this one out.”

How it happened:

Thursday’s contest was a somewhat forgettable performance by both teams offensively.

UC Davis (10-15, 5-7 Big West) made a point to limit Cal Poly’s transition offense and forced the Mustangs to play at a slower pace. The Aggies sprinted back after missed shots and rarely went for offensive rebounds, a key reason why Cal Poly held a dominant 46-26 rebounding advantage.

“I think that the defensive intensity and the rebounding allows you a couple extra possessions, a little more breathing room,” said head coach Joe Callero, who secured the 100th victory of his Cal Poly tenure. “We didn’t get any transition really tonight. Give them credit for that.”

Cal Poly shot 33.3 percent from the field — matching its lowest total this season — and went 5 of 22 from behind the 3-point line. UC Davis attempted 10 less field goals, but shot at a 38 percent clip (19 of 50) and scored only two baskets off offensive rebounds.

Who stood out:

While Morgan did what he does best — make free throws in late-game situations — freshman Josh Martin delivered arguably to strongest all-around performance for Cal Poly.

The 6-foot-8 forward scored 11 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to earn the first double-double of his career and the third by a Cal Poly player this season. All four of his offensive rebounds came in the second half, helping spark the Mustangs after a lackluster opening 20 minutes.

“Honestly, it’s just a mentality,” Martin said. “You’ve got to sacrifice your body for every loose ball and every rebound. When you go up on a board, there’s no 50-50 balls. Every ball is a 75-25 ball. And we made that happen tonight.”

Senior guard David Nwaba turned in a typically productive performance, scoring nine points with seven rebounds and two assists in 28 minutes. Freshman point guard Jaylen Shead chipped in seven points, seven rebounds and four assists in a team-high 31 minutes.

Up next:

Cal Poly returns to Mott Athletics Center when the Mustangs host Cal State Northridge at 7 p.m. Saturday. The Mustangs and Matadors currently sit in a three-way tie for sixth in the Big West standings at 4-8.

When Cal Poly traveled to Northridge last month, the Matadors rallied back from a nine-point deficit in the final 10 minutes to secure a 76-74 victory.

“What I think is critical for us going into the Northridge game is that we get enough rest, and having a deep enough bench that we win the 50-50 plays,” Callero said. “ … We’ve got to impose our will that way.”

This story was originally published February 18, 2016 at 11:02 PM with the headline "Cal Poly men’s basketball grinds out 58-53 Big West Conference victory over UC Davis."