1-4,0-0Big West
Southern Utah
5-1,0-0WAC
McManus’ Career Night Not Enough as Mustangs Fall in Overtime to Southern Utah
11/21/2025 9:39:00 PM | Women's Basketball
SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. — Despite a spectacular performance from sophomore guard Vanessa McManus — who helped Cal Poly erase a 13-point second-half deficit — the Mustangs came up short Friday night, falling 85–80 in overtime to Southern Utah inside Mott Athletics Center.
McManus poured in a career-high 34 points, carrying the Mustangs (1-4) throughout the night and delivering one of the most dramatic moments of the young season. With Cal Poly trailing in the closing seconds of regulation, McManus worked her way free on the right wing and drilled a contested three-pointer at the buzzer, sending the home crowd into a roar and forcing overtime.
Cal Poly carried that momentum into the extra period, but Southern Utah answered with steady free-throw shooting and timely second-chance points to regain control. The Mustangs continued to lean on McManus, who battled to the final whistle, but the Thunderbirds (5-1) made enough plays late to escape San Luis Obispo with the win.
Freshman guard Charish Thompson added 21 points and a team-high eight rebounds, providing key support alongside McManus. Thompson went 9-for-10 from the free-throw line and hit several important shots to keep the Mustangs within reach throughout the second half. Fellow freshman Katie Peiffer also provided a spark, finishing with nine points — the first of her collegiate career.
Southern Utah countered with a balanced offensive attack, led by Devyn Kiernan’s 22 points and Sierra Chambers’ 17-point outing. The Thunderbirds finished 34-for-43 at the free-throw line, which proved to be the difference on a night when both teams traded big shots and long scoring stretches.
The loss overshadowed a standout night from McManus, who shot 13-for-26 from the field, knocked down four three-pointers, and added seven rebounds. Her 34-point performance is the most by a Mustang in a game since Abbey Ellis scored 39 in December 2020.
Cal Poly will look to rebound on Monday when hosting Chapman University inside Mott Athletics Center. Tip time is set for 6 p.m. on ESPN+.
