November 7, 2008

SANTA CLARA, Calif. – The Cal State Monterey Bay men's basketball team opened the 2008-09 season on Friday night, taking on NCAA Division I Santa Clara University in their first exhibition game. CSUMB gave the Broncos all they could handle in the first half, just trailing by two-points at the break before falling to Santa Clara 93-65.

“I was proud of our effort tonight, said head coach Rob Bishop. “We played a much bigger and more physical team and were right there for 20 minutes.”

Senior #Steve Monreal# led the Otters with 18 points.  Seniors #Stephen Becker# and #Jose Sanchez# added 16 and 10 points respectively.

Statistics from the game do not count toward regular season totals.

 “We did some good things tonight that we can build on,” Bishop said. “We still have a long way to go but it was a good environment to help us get ready for the CCAA (California Collegiate Athletic Conference).”

CSUMB takes on NCAA Division I Pepperdine University on Friday, Nov. 14 at 5 p.m. in their final exhibition contest.  The Otters regular season opener is set for Tuesday, Nov. 18 when they host University of Alaska-Fairbanks.