By Morris Phillips

On the same night, on the same big stage, on the same court, experienced, but still youthful coaches Cuonzo Martin and Joe Callero experienced the biggest wins of the careers last March.  In Dayton, at the NCAA First Four, Martin’s Tennessee team got past Iowa in overtime, and Callero’s Mustangs of Cal Poly became just the second team in NCAA Tournament history to win a tournament game despite having 19 losses that season.

Wednesday night was not in any way the same stage for Martin and Callero.  Just a holiday eve meeting of teams trying to find their way that went decidedly to Martin’s Bears, 72-52 at Haas Pavilion.  For Martin, the adjustment of being the new coach with an established group of players continued full force as he described after the game.

“Any time there’s a coaching change there’s adjustments with different styles and different philosophies,” Martin explained.  “I thought Jordan Mathews has taken steps defensively and has really accepted challenges.  I thought (point guard) Sam (Singer) did a great job defending.  I thought Christian (Behrens) played a tremendous game on both ends of the floor.  He really defended and really accepted challenges.  It doesn’t happen overnight because you have to go through things.  Every team presents a different challenge.  They have to take personal pride and be tough and hard-nosed.  That’s how you win games.”

For Callero, his team and environment is the same, but the challenge to maintain the momentum created by winning the Big West tournament last spring and then winning their NCAA opener against Texas Southern without repeating the adversity that comes with losing 19 games.  Callero’s team last spring overcame injuries, got hot at the right time and made a run.  Now with most of that team back, minus a pair of senior leaders, Callero is trying to create an environment that includes winning more frequently.

Against Cal, Callero’s Mustangs had their hands full.

“We took care of the basketball, but their speed you just can’t simulate,” Callero said.  “They had six or eight transition baskets on us in the first half, which we felt like that was difference in the seven-point lead they had at the half.  Second opportunities and tip-ins are things you can control.  They ended up with nine offensive boards and just dominated the glass with potential possessions there.”

The Bears built upon their edge on the glass, out rebounding Cal Poly 44-27 and shooting 47 percent from the field.  Cal led by seven at the half, and the stubborn Mustangs hung around for much of the second half, but the Bears extended their lead to double digits with eight minutes remaining.

The Bears were led by the trio of Jabari Bird, Tyrone Wallace and Mathews who combined for 51 of Cal’s 72 points.  David Kravish added nine points and six rebounds.

Brian Bennett had 16 points for Cal Poly.  David Nwaba added 14 points, five rebounds.

On Sunday afternoon, Cal travels to Fresno State to face the Bulldogs at 3pm.