SAN FRANCISCO — After losing on a buzzer–beating 3–pointer at Sonoma State in its last game, the Cal State Monterey Bay women's basketball team couldn't pull off the same miracle at Academy of Art as the Otters' last ditch 3–pointer wouldn't go in a 72–70 loss Saturday afternoon in Kezar Pavilion.

The Otters led by seven at the half but trailed by seven with 40 seconds remaining before nearly pulling off a stunner.

Three balls from Victoria Dorn (Seaside HS) and McKenna Hill (Ventura/St. Bonaventure HS) and a Christine Golfo (San Jose CC) layup got CSUMB to within 71–70 with eight ticks left. ArtU forward Helena Orts then made just 1-of-2 free throws to give the Otters a chance, but Aubri Smith's running three attempt couldn't find a home as time expired.

Hill led the Otters with 17 points. Smith led the way on the glass with 11 rebounds.
 

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THE GAME WAS STATISTICALLY OVER WHEN… This one wasn't over until Smith's 3–point attempt at the buzzer didn't fall.

THAT'S ODD… The Otters have been an "odd" team this season in that they out–score their opponents in the first and third quarters and get out–scored in the second and fourth quarters. Saturday afternoon turned that stat on its ear as ArtU won the first (23–21) and third (17–7) quarters while CSUMB took the second (19–10) and fourth (23–22). It marks just the second time this season the Otters have won the even quarters in a game (vs. Notre Dame de Namur, Nov. 18).

LEADERS OF THE RAFT… POINTS: McKenna Hill 17; REBOUNDS: Aubri Smith 10; ASSISTS: Brianna Tucker 6; BLOCKS: McKenna Hill 1; STEALS: Courtney Keaton 3.

THE LAST WORD… "We had a tough third quarter where we turned the ball over too much and took some rushed shots, allowing them to take the lead back. We put ourselves in a position to win but came up short.." – CSUMB Head Coach Kerri Nakamoto

THEY'VE GOT NEXT… The Otters will break for the Christmas holiday before returning to action Thursday, Dec. 29 at Chico State.