SEASIDE, Calif. — A defensive battle went the way of the nation's top–ranked defense as Sonoma State held Cal State Monterey Bay to a season–low 39 points en route to a 52–39 Saturday night in The Kelp Bed.

For its part, the Otter defense held Sonoma to an opponent season–low 52 points, but CSUMB made just 4–of–18 from beyond the arc and shot 11 fewer free throws, to statistics that proved decisive in this one.

Freshman guard Kevin Warren (Oakland/St. Mary's HS) came off the bench to lead all scorers with 13 points. Sophomore Julien Ducree (Rancho Cucamonga HS) also came off the bench to pull down a game–high eight rebounds.
 

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THE GAME WAS STATISTICALLY OVER WHEN… Nathan Maloney–Benjamin block blocked a Stephen Matthews layup attempt with 1:22 remaining and Sonoma State up 50–36.

HOW LOW CAN YOU GO… Each team managed only one double–figure scorer Saturday night. That's the first time that has happened in an Otter men's game this season. Kevin Warren scored a game–high 13 points for CSUMB. Ronnie Harris led Sonoma with 12.

IN A FOUL MOOD… Aside from the cold shooting night, the biggest factor in Saturday's game was foul trouble for the short–handed Otters. Although the roster increased to eight players this weekend (up from a season–low six), CSUMB played the final 7:26 of regulation with three players carrying four fouls apiece.

LEADERS OF THE RAFT… POINTS: Kevin Warren 13; REBOUNDS: Julien Ducree 8; ASSISTS: Jahvon Johnson 3; BLOCKS: Gregg Polosky 2; STEALS: Jahvon Johnson 2.

THE LAST WORD… "I feel like we're learning how hard we have to compete. We're getting first–hand opportunity down the stretch to see how well the best teams in the league are play. Although the loss is disappointing, the experience we're getting will pay off the next few years." – CSUMB Head Coach Rob Bishop

THEY'VE GOT NEXT… The Otters played their final road game of the season when they travel south to face Cal State San Marcos on Thursdays, February 16. Tipoff will be at 7:30 p.m. as the nightcap of men's/women's doubleheader action.