LA JOLLA, Calif. — Host UC San Diego made 13 3–point field goals Friday night to take down Cal State Monterey Bay 76–58 in RIMAC Arena.

CSUMB turned the ball over a season–low seven times. But even that wasn't enough overcome UCSD's red–hit night from beyond the arc, led by junior guard Kayla Sato, who entered the night shooting just 19 percent from 3–point range before going 5–for–8 against the Otters.

The Otters led early in this one, but UCSD took control with 14–2 run early in the second quarter that put CSUMB in a 32–16 hole. The Otters trimmed that lead and kept the deficit within four possessions until a Dalayna Sampton layup beat the third quarter buzzer to put UCSD up 60–45.

Courtney Keaton (Bishop Montgomery HS) just missed her third double–double of the season by leading the Otters with 12 points and nine rebounds. Aubri Smith (Ventura College/Buena HS) also reached double figures with 10 points.
 

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THE GAME WAS STATISTICALLY OVER WHEN… Kayla Sato's fourth 3–pointer of the night made it 73–54 UCSD with 2:38 to play.

THE GOOD HANDS PEOPLE… The Otters took historically good care of the ball Friday night, committing just seven turnovers. Not only is that total a season low, it tied the Otter record for fewest turnovers in a game first set against Cal Poly Pomona on Jan. 28, 2011.

WELCOME BACK BRI… Junior guard Brianna Tucker made her first appearance of the season for CSUMB. She played just 13 minutes, scoring nine points while grabbing two rebounds and passing two assists.

LEADERS OF THE RAFT… POINTS: Courtney Keaton 12; REBOUNDS: Courtney Keaton 9; ASSISTS: Christine Golfo/Jordana Price/Brianna Tucker 2; BLOCKS: Aubri Smith/Alexa Sperling 1; STEALS: Alexa Sperling 3.

THE LAST WORD… "I was proud of the way we played tonight against a very good UCSD team. We shared the ball better and executed our game plan for the most part. We improved from last week and will look to continue on that path." – CSUMB Head Coach Kerri Nakamoto






THEY'VE GOT NEXT… The Otters conclude their weekend roadtrip by heading up to the other Bay area to take on Pac West Conference rival Notre Dame de Namur Sunday in Belmont. Tip-off is schedule for 3 p.m.