January 29, 2010
Box Score
CHICO, Calif. – After being haunted by a last second layup that led to an early season loss to Chico State, the Cal State Monterey Bay men's basketball team evened the score by defeating the Wildcats, 61-58, on Friday night at Acker Gym.
“This was a huge win for us,” said head coach #Rob Bishop#. “To get a split with them and a little payback feels good.”
The Otters improved to 6-11 and 4-8 in California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) action while the Wildcats dropped to 10-7 and 6-6 in conference play.
Junior #Warren Freeman# led the Otters for the first time this season, finishing with 15 points. Freshman #Davion Berry# recorded 13 points and five rebounds. Junior #Ian Hosford# recorded a season-high 11 boards along with six points. Senior #Sean Jergo# and freshman #Derrick Anderson# each added eight points.
The Wildcats jumped out to a 20-8 lead in the first 12 minutes of play but the Otters rallied back by closing the gap to 30-27 on a jumper by Freeman right before the end of the first half.
CSUMB kept right on Chico State's heels until the final five minutes of the game. A basket by Anderson cut the Wildcats' lead to 53-51 at the 3:32 mark. Berry connected on both free throws to tie the game at 53-53. Jergo's two free throws gave the Otters their first lead of the second half.
After Chico State's Roderick Hawkins missed the backend of his free throw after making the first one, Berry swished his first 3-pointer of the night to extend CSUMB's lead to 58-54 with 42 seconds remaining.
Two free throws by freshman #Brandon Ward# and a single one by Anderson secured the CSUMB victory.
Chico State had four players in double-digits with Hawkins leading the way with 13 points and nine rebounds. Damario Sims and Terence Pellum each posted 12 and 11 points respectively. Zach Graves added 10 points.
CSUMB won the battle of the board with 42 rebounds to 34 by the Wildcats.
“We limited our mistakes tonight and did a great job on the glass,” Bishop said. “We got a lot better as a team tonight and I am really proud of all my guys.
“They hung together and wore Chico down.”
The Otters travel to Turlock on Saturday, Jan. 30 to take on Cal State Stanislaus at 7:30 p.m.
