SEASIDE, Calif. — The game had all the hallmarks of a year–ending upset before No. 5 ranked Cal Poly Pomona rallied from behind in the closing minutes to earn a 74–68 win over Cal State Monterey Bay Sunday afternoon in The Kelp Bed.

The Otters led by as many as eight points in the second half and still held a 2–possession lead at 66–62 with less than three and a half minutes remaining in regulation. But the Broncos ended the game with a 12–2 spurt, making 8-of-10 from the line in the final 1:44 to keep MB at bay.

The Otters had chances to tie and take the lead in the final minute before a missed 3–point attempt and an unforced turnover sealed their fate.

The Otters got a season–high 19 points from Evan Zeller (Mission Viejo HS) and 18 points and a career–high nine rebounds from Ryan Nitz (Rancho Cucamonga/Chaffey College). Alex Fertig (Fresno/Buchanan HS) chipped in 10 points and matched his career–high with six assists.

Jordan Faison led Pomona with 18 points and seven rebounds, helping the Broncos improve to 9–0 and 3–0 in the CCAA.

CSUMB (3–6, 1–2 CCAA) will take two weeks off for winter break. The return to action on New Year's Day by hosting Sonoma State for a rare 4 p.m. tipoff.