[Box score] 

PITTSBURGH - Cal Poly Pomona built a double-digit first-half lead but could not hold off a late surge, falling to Alabama-Huntsville (UAH), 61–53, in the NCAA Elite Eight on Tuesday night at UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse.
 
The Broncos (29-5) controlled much of the first half behind balanced scoring and a strong defensive performance. They held the Chargers to 6-of-26 shooting in the first half (.231%) to take a 33–21 advantage into the break.  Cal Poly Pomona outscored UAH 20–9 in the second quarter, as it shot 4-of-6 from behind the arc.
 
Cal Poly Pomona extended its lead to as many as 14 points early in the third quarter and remained in front 47–40 entering the final period.
 
UAH (32-5), however, shifted momentum in the fourth quarter behind efficient shooting and defensive stops. The Chargers opened the final period on a 14-2 run, eventually outscoring Cal Poly Pomona 21–6 in the quarter. UAH shot .667 percent from the field, and 2-of-3 on 3-pointers in the fourth, turning a seven-point deficit into an eight-point win.
 
Sydney Nelson led the Broncos with 22 points (10-of-17) and nine rebounds. Andrea Stajic added 11 points, including three first-half 3-pointers. Kadence Lloyd chipped in 10 points off the bench.
 
Lili Wilken paced UAH with 19 points, while Paris Opelt and Ivey Maddox each contributed 12. The Chargers finished 8-of-19 from beyond the arc after going just 3-of-12 in the first half.
 
UAH will advance to the national semifinals, where it will face the No. 1 seed, Grand Valley State, on Thursday, March 26. Cal Poly Pomona concludes its season at 29-5.