November 18, 2008

BOX SCORE

SEASIDE, Calif. – Senior #Steve Monreal# scored 28 points and was perfect at the line, 14-for-14, to lift the Otters to a 90-86 overtime victory against the University of Alaska, Fairbanks in their season opener at the Otter Sports Center tonight.

“This was a good win for the team,” said head coach Rob Bishop. “We did what we planned on rebounding, making free-throws and slowing them in transition.”

After leading CSUMB in double-doubles last year with 11, #Joe Mitchell# began this final collegiate season with 12 points and 13 rebounds.  Senior #Dante Green# added another double-double with 11 points and 10 boards. Sophomore #Warren Freeman# went 6-for-8 on the floor and connected on one free-throw to finish with 13 points.

The Nanooks were led by Jon Moe with 29 points and Emmanuel Jenkins with 25 points.

“Fairbanks made some adjustments from their previous two games and played well today,” Bishop said.

The Otters jumped out to a 20-10 lead in the first half when Freeman connected on three consecutive field goals. The Nanooks went on a 13-7 run in the last four minutes of the first half.   Moe hit a three-pointer at the buzzer to close in on the Otter's lead of 36-33 at the halftime break.

The Otters and Nanooks fought back and forth in the second half which consisted of eight tied scores.  Junior college transfer #Keith Wilson# made both free throws with only 41 seconds left to force overtime.

The turning point of the game began with Wilson's three pointer at the 2:38 minute mark to give the Otters an 82-79 lead.  CSUMB held the lead courtesy of Monreal's six-for-six performance at the free-throw line.

CSUMB outrebounded UAF, 50-37.

“We got better tonight and we learned how to finish a game,” Bishop said. “ I was very proud of the guys tonight on how we battled.”

CSUMB (1-0) will host the Academy of Art on Monday, Nov. 24 at the Otter Sports Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.