POMONA — The Stanislaus State men's basketball team saw an early lead fade away Thursday, as host and No. 21/RV Cal Poly Pomona got hot late in the first half and never looked back on the way to a 66-54 California Collegiate Athletic Association win at Kellogg Arena.
 
The Warriors (2-4, 0-2 CCAA) led by as many as six points and never trailed during the first 14 minutes of the game. They shot better than 40% (41.2%) during those first 14 minutes and scored points in all kinds of ways, from 3-pointers to dunks to free throws and layups.
 
But all of that changed in almost an instant.
 
Cal Poly Pomona – ranked No. 21 in this week's National Association of Basketball Coaches poll and receiving votes in the national Division II Sports Information Directors of America poll – closed the first half with a 13-3 run that gave them an eight-point lead at halftime. The run was hammered home by a 3-pointer before the buzzer by Caleb Nelson, making it 28-20. Meanwhile, the Warriors went 1 for 7 shooting during the run with three turnovers.
 
Stanislaus State got the first basket of the second half, like they did in the first, but Cal Poly Pomona answered with another 13-0 run in a matter of less than two minutes. After two straight layups, the Broncos sank three consecutive 3-pointers, including two back-to-back from Phoenix Shackelford. On his second one, he grabbed the rebound off a missed Stan State 3-point try, took the ball up the court and immediately popped the shot off, making it 38-22 at the time.
 
The Warriors shot over 40% in the game (40.4%) thanks to a 45.5% display in the second half. Stanislaus State only got to the free-throw line for seven attempts, while Cal Poly Pomona shot more than twice that many (16) on the night. Luis Salgado led the Warriors with 10 points. He added five rebounds and team-high three steals. Omajae Smith had a team-best six rebounds.
 
Cal Poly Pomona shot 35% (7 for 20) from 3-point range in the game. They were led by Nelson's 15 points off the bench, which included a perfect 4-for-4 showing from deep. Tavian Henderson and Shackelford each added 14 points.
 
The Warriors take on their third consecutive nationally ranked opponent and fourth of the year on Saturday when they travel to No. 11/12 Cal State San Bernardino. Fans can find all live coverage links on WarriorAthletics.com.