OTTERS at DOMINGUEZ HILLS HIGHLIGHTS


CARSON, Calif. — A huge night from senior swingman Ryan Nitz (Rancho Cucamonga/Chaffey College) brought the Cal State Monterey Bay men's basketball team back from the brink to beat Cal State Dominguez Hills 89–82 Thursday night in The Torodome.

Nitz scored 19 of his season–high 28 points in the second half to help the Otters rally from 13 down in the final 16 minutes. He and junior forward Mateo Jones (Victorville/Silverado HS) combined for 13 points in a decisive 19–4 run that turned a 64–53 Dominguez lead into a 72–68 advantage the Otters would guard jealously until the final horn.

In addition to his scoring, Nitz matched his career high with seven assists. More importantly, he teamed with fellow Rancho Cucamonga High alum Julien Ducree to share game–high honors with nine rebounds each. Their efforts helped the Otters out–rebound the Toros 45–35 while building a 20–6 edge in second chance points.

In addition to Nitz and Jones, Evan Zeller (Mission Viejo HS) chipped in 15 points while Marquise Washington (Westchester HS) added 12 points and a career–high three blocks.

Also of note Thursday, senior guard Alex Fertig (Fresno/Buchanan HS) picked up his 91st career steal to tie former Otter great Joe Mitchell for the CSUMB career lead in that category.

The Otters will close their brief 2–game roadtrip Saturday at Cal State San Marcos. CSUMB returns home to host Cal State San Bernardino Jan. 15.