January 14, 2010
Box Score
LA JOLLA, Calif. – The Cal State Monterey Bay women's basketball team posted a strong second half rally against No. 7 UC San Diego but fell just short of an upset, dropping a 68-63 decision to the Tritons.
The Otters fall to 9-3 overall and 5-3 in California Collegiate Athletic Association action while the Tritons remain undefeated (13-0, 8-0).
Junior #Michelle Santizo# led the Otters with 14 points by making 4-of-6 baskets from beyond the arc. Senior #Veronica Williams# recorded her second double-double of the season with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Junior #London Houchin# added 12 points while classmate #Julie Heurung# pulled down a game-high 11 rebounds.
"We have said it since we started the season 1-0, we must find a way to play for 40 minutes," said head coach Renee Jimenez. "Once we turned up the heat in the 2nd half, there was no stopping us. I thought we did a great job executing our offense and locking in on defense. We just have to find a way to do those things as soon as the ball is tossed in the air."
The Tritons had their 35-20 halftime lead cut down to only one point (59-58) with 2:15 remaining on a layup by Houchin. UCSD's Chelsea Carlisle answered with a 3-pointer 16 seconds later to raise the gap to 62-58. After a pair of UCSD free throws, Houchin connected on a 3-pointer with 33 seconds to make it 64-61. Carlisle went 4-for-4 at the charity stripe to make a cushion of 68-61. Freshman #Jessica Fontenette# made the final basket of the game to finish it at 68-63.
"I think tonight was a huge turning point for us as a team. We realized that we can play with not only the best team in the CCAA but with one of the top 10 teams in the country," Jimenez said. "On any night this group is as good as anybody in the country, the next step is for us to believe it."
The Tritons were led in scoring by Carlisle with 20 points on top of nine rebounds. Annette Ilg added 10 points and Tiffany Hunter contributed 11 rebounds and eight points.
The Otters return to action on Saturday, Jan. 16, against Cal State East Bay in Hayward. Tip-off is 5:30 p.m.
