#3 CAL POLY POMONA 57, #2 WESTERN WASHINGTON 54 [Box Score]
Cal Poly Pomona overcame a 13-point deficit and defeated Western Washington, 57-54, in the semifinals of the NCAA West Regional on Saturday at Nicholson Arena. (Mar. 14)
 
The Broncos (28-4) trailed 30-17 in the second quarter, but chipped away at the lead to cut the deficit to four at the half (30-26). Western Washington pushed its lead back to nine early in the third quarter and still led by four (47-43) going into the fourth. CPP opened the final period on a 12-2 run to take a 55-49 lead as it held the Vikings to just two points on 0-of-13 shooting in the first nine minutes.
 
WWU would get a 3-pointer from Joy Halton and a pair of free throws from Demi Dykstra to cut CPP's advantage to 55-54 with 47 seconds remaining. Cal Poly Pomona took the shot clock down on its next possession, but Mydrea Moore's shot was off target. However, Sydney Nelson collected the offensive rebound and was fouled. Kadence Lloyd would hit two free throws, and WWU missed two game-tying 3-point attempts in the final seconds to secure the Broncos' win.
 
Madison Eade and Mydrea Moore helped lead Cal Poly Pomona to its first NCAA Regional final since 2015. Eade scored 13 points and added six rebounds off the bench. Moore finished with 11 points, eight rebounds, and a game-changing seven blocked shots. Kadence Lloyd also provided a critical spark off the bench with nine points, as she and Eade helped Pomona own a 26-4 edge in bench scoring. Sydney Nelson added eight points, seven rebounds, and five assists.
 
Western Washington got 15 points and 15 rebounds from Olivia Hodges, but CPP’s defense held the Vikings to .311 percent shooting and just seven points in the fourth quarter.
 
Cal Poly Pomona will now advance to the regional championship game on Monday, Mar. 16 at 7:30 p.m.