SEASIDE --- Cal State Monterey Bay lumbered out of the starting gate Wednesday night, falling behind San Francisco State University by double digits early, but it would be the Otters who would win big, 87-75, and improve their chances for a home playoff game.

The Gators (10-9 in the California Collegiate Athletic Association) took an early 16-3 lead before CSUMB's Augie Johnston drew a foul and drained both free throws to get the Otters going with 12:21 left in the half. Minutes later, two quick steals by #DShon Cannon# and #Steve Monreal# led to four quick points and it was 20-9. Cannon would hit a runner with three seconds left in the half to make the score 34-28. #Juston Willis had nine at the break to lead all scorers.#

Midway through the second half, Cannon pulled CSUMB within one at 55-54 with a long three that banked off the backboard. Another three-ball by Johnston at the 9:10 mark gave the Otters their first lead at 57-55. The Gators turned it over on their next possession, leading to a fast break that #Joe Mitchell# finished with a layup off an Alley Oop pass by Cannon and the score was 59-55. After a bucket by SFSU, Cannon hit another three to put CSUMB ahead 62-57.

The Otters (10-9 in the CCAA) continued to increase their lead from there. Monreal would put the Otters ahead 74-62 with a three-point play at the 3:34 mark and the Gators would never threaten the rest of the way. Cannon would finish with 23 points to lead all scorers. Monreal scored 19 off the bench and Willis finished with 15. Martin Flores led SFSU with 15 points.

The Otters finish the regular season Thursday night with a home game against UC San Diego. Another victory could lift CSUMB into the third or fourth seed of the CCAA postseason tournament and would mean a home game in the first round. The game tips off at 7:30. All children 14 and under are free.