BOX SCORE

SEASIDE, Calif. — Its worst shooting night of the season proved costly for the No. 22 Cal State Monterey Bay women's basketball team as Chico State pulled off the 63-58 upset Saturday night in The Kelp Bed.

Despite CSUMB (12-3, 9-2 CCAA) shooting just 29 percent from the floor and 1-for-10 from beyond the arc, the first half remained a one-possession game until Chico 10-6, 6-5) scored seven of the last nine points to take a 31-25 lead into halftime.

That put the Otters into catch-up mode throughout the second half. CSUMB trailed by as many as 11 at 48-37 midway through the period before making its run. The Otters chipped 
away until finally tying the game at 58-58 on an Erika Ward (Simi Valley/Ventura College) with 58 seconds remaining.

Down two after a pair of Synchro Bull free throws, the Otters had a great look at a lead, but Stephanie Corgel's (Manhattan Beach/UCSB) wide open look from the top of the key didn't fall. Chico made three free throws over the final 25 seconds to seal the win.

“The one thing I am really proud of is that we fought back and we stayed together as a team,” said CSUMB Head Coach Renee Jimenez. “That kind of fight and sticking together when things aren't going your way is what will help us win games in March.” 

Senior guard Brandi Stephens (Sacramento/El Camino HS) led the Otters with 18 points four steals and three blocks. Jessica Fontenette (Chino Hills/Bishop Amat) added 12 points and tied her career high with eight rebounds.

Jazmine Miller led three Wildcats in double figures with 15 points.

CSUMB takes to the road to begin a four game trip Friday (Jan. 27) at Cal State Dominguez Hills in Carson. The Otters return home to host defending regional champion Cal Poly Pomona Feb. 10 in The Kelp Bed.