Cal Poly basketball edges UC San Diego 67-65 in thrilling Big West upset nobody saw coming last night

Cal Poly opened 2026 with a thrilling 67-65 victory over UC San Diego, snapping a losing streak in a dramatic Big West Conference matchup. The Mustangs delivered a clutch performance at home to overcome the Tritons, who entered with an impressive 11-2 record. This stunning upset proves Cal Poly’s resilience during one of their toughest seasons.

Thriller at Home: Cal Poly’s Narrow Victory

Playing at home in San Luis Obispo, the Mustangs executed a clutch second-half performance against the 11-2 Tritons. The game came down to the final possessions, with Cal Poly holding off UC San Diego‘s desperate late-game attempts. The 67-65 scoreline reflects how closely matched these teams were throughout.

This was Big West Conference action at its finest, combining defensive intensity with back-and-forth momentum shifts. The Mustangs’ defense tightened in crucial moments, preventing the higher-seeded Tritons from finding their rhythm. Cal Poly forced key turnovers and limited UC San Diego‘s scoring opportunities when it mattered most.

Hamad Mousa Continues Production for Mustangs

Sophomore guard Hamad Mousa continues anchoring Cal Poly‘s offense with consistent scoring. The Qatari international averaged 20.6 points per game entering this matchup and remains the Mustangs’ most reliable offensive weapon. His 2025-26 production represents hope for a struggling program seeking conference respectability.

Mousa’s scoring average demonstrates Cal Poly has built their offense around a proven scorer. Against high-powered conference opponents like UC San Diego, having a 20+ point per game scorer provides crucial flexibility. The Mustangs lean heavily on his ability to create both individually and within the offense.

Breaking Down the Box Score

Momentum Shift in Big West Conference Play

The victory represents a critical turning point for Cal Poly basketball during conference season. The Mustangs entered conference play struggling at 1-1, facing enormous pressure against superior competition. UC San Diego‘s 11-2 record entering this game made them heavy favorites, but Cal Poly refused to be intimidated at home.

The 2-1 conference record gives the Mustangs hope for a meaningful second half. In Big West Conference play, home-court advantage matters tremendously, and capturing this win builds confidence. The Mustangs proved they belong in competitive games against the league’s better teams, setting stage for potential playoff positioning discussions.

Can Cal Poly Build on This Momentum Moving Forward?

With the home win secured, all eyes turn to whether Cal Poly can sustain this success against remaining Big West opponents. The Mustangs must avoid returning to losing patterns that defined early conference play. Continuing to feature Hamad Mousa‘s scoring and tightening defensive execution becomes paramount going forward.

The 67-65 victory proves one thing clearly: Cal Poly possesses the talent and resilience to compete with anyone in the conference. Whether they maintain this trajectory depends on consistency, complementary scoring around Mousa, and defensive discipline. The next stretch of Big West basketball will reveal whether this thrilling victory launches a successful conference campaign.

Sources

• ESPN – Live game coverage and official box score
• Reddit College Basketball – Post-game thread analysis
• Big West Conference – Official standings and records

Michael Brown

Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.