Mustang men going dancing!

Chris Eversley earned tournament MVP honors. By Will Parris

For the first time in program history, the Cal Poly men’s basketball team is going to play in the NCAA Tournament.

With the Mustangs down by two and just 14 seconds remaining, Ridge Shipley drilled a three-pointer from the top of the key. On the ensuing possession, Zach Gordon took a charge to get possession back for Cal Poly with just four seconds left.

After losing in the semifinals of last year’s tournament on a last-minute tip-in, Cal Poly turned the tables this year in dramatic fashion. After Kyle Odister missed the second of two free-throws, Northridge dribbled the ball up the court. As time ran out, a sea of green and gold-clad fans stormed the court.

Senior forward and tournament MVP, Chris Eversley, was raised onto the shoulders of fans. Students, alumni, and even former players were amongst the mass of humanity sharing hugs and celebrating with the first-time conference champs.

“It was surreal, it felt like a Disney movie,” said Eversley, who finished with a game-high 18 points to go along with five rebounds. “These guys never quit. People that drove down and supported us, this isn’t for us, this is for them. They stuck with us and we played our hearts out for them.”

Eversley is the embodiment of school spirit. His love for the band and everything Cal Poly has been well-documented over the past few years. During the postgame celebration, he made sure to bring the band out on the floor for pictures and celebration.

Cal Poly almost let the game get away in the second half. They established a four-point advantage on a Brian Bennett and-1 with 13:11 left in the second half. But Reggie Theus’ Matadors weren’t going down without a fight.

Tre Hale-Edmerson and Stephen Maxwell clawed and fought down low to keep Northridge in the game. With 1:32 left, Maxwell pushed Northridge’s lead back to four points (59-55) with a left-handed post move. His two points were Northridge’s last of the season.

It’s likely Cal Poly will earn a 16-seed and play in a first-round game in Dayton, Ohio this week. The winner of that game would play a one-seed in the “second round” of the tournament on Thursday or Friday. With a 13-19 record, it’s unlikely Cal Poly would earn anything better than a 16-seed.

Callero, who is one of 16 children in his family, said he wants a 16-seed.

“I’ll be pissed if they make us a 15-seed,” said Callero after the game, with a smile on his face.

After the nets were cut-down, the team huddled one last time before heading to the press conferences and catching the bus back to San Luis Obispo. Joining them was the band, the cheerleaders, and dance team. The chant: “Family!”