SEASIDE --- The Cal State Monterey Bay women's basketball team has an excellent opportunity to start the weekend off right Friday night when they face Cal State L.A., a team that has struggled in conference play, but it won't be easy. Nor will Saturday's game against Cal State Dominguez Hills, but CSUMB head coach Amber Magner says both games are winnable for her squad.

“We could get two W's,” said Magner. “A couple of W's this weekend and we would be right back in the mix of things.”

Cal State L.A. (4-8 overall and 1-5 in the California Collegiate Athletic Association) is 0-3 in conference road games. Their lone conference win was against Humboldt State University early in the season. But CSULA has talent. They are led by 5' 8” guard Jazzi Johnson (11.6 points per game) and 6' forward Veronica Williams (11.9 points), but Williams has not been playing lately. Johnson is hitting 59.8 percent of her shots, an extraordinary number for a guard. CSULA is allowing 70.4 points per game and scoring just 63.8, despite garnering a +4.7 rebound margin. In conference play CSULA has allowed 72.5 points per game – ninth in the CCAA. CSUMB is last with 75.9 points per game.

Saturday's game against CSU Dominguez Hills, on paper, looks even more difficult for the Otters. The Toros are 8-4 overall and 2-3 in conference. They have outscored opponents by an average of 60.6 to 55.7, holding their opponents to a 36.1 shooting percentage. Though the team ranks ninth in the conference in scoring offense, they rank third in defense. Oddly enough, despite their low point production, they are second field goal percentage with 42.4 percent.

Brigayle Iglehart leads the team in scoring with 16.1 per game, 16.2 in CCAA play, which is third in the league. The 5' 7” guard also leads the conference with 4.18 assists per game. A lot of those go to 6' center/forward Alana Bailey, who is averaging 8.1 points per game. Iglehart's backcourt mate Jessica Liang is averaging 11.5 points.

Magner said both CSULA and CSUDH are good at driving to the hoop. “We will have to stop the penetration,” she said. “Both teams are athletic and they go to the basket. Our defense will be critical, absolutely critical.”

CSUMB's most effective scorer, by far, has been Dana Andrews. Her 18.4 points per game leads the team and she has been distributing the ball well, too, averaging 2.5 assists. In conference games, Andrews is averaging 18.5 points and that is second in the CCAA. Point guard Alma Lopez is averaging 10.6 points per game and 4.2 assists. In conference play, Lopez has averaged 4.09 assists per game, second in the CCAA. Several other players have stepped up at times. Britnea Moore, CSUMB's career-leading scorer, is averaging 8.8 points from the forward position and Ja'Nae Westmoreland is averaging 7.2 points while leading the team in rebounds with 6.6. In CCAA games Westmoreland has pulled 7.4 boards per game, which ranks her fourth in the conference. Krista Herr has also played well lately, averaging 5.7 points a game and 4.8 rebounds.

Moore said the team just needs to focus. “If we apply ourselves and concentrate for 40 minutes we will be successful,” she said.

Magner said two wins this weekend are critical if the team is to play in the postseason. “If we want a shot at the conference tournament it becomes a must.”