ATHERTON, Calif. – The Cal State Monterey Bay women's basketball team defeated Jessup, 53–40, on Saturday in a neutral-site matchup at Haynes-Prim Pavilion, using a strong second half to move to 2–0 on the young season.
 
After scoring 13 points in the first two quarters, the Otters outscored Jessup, 40–18, the rest of the way and took control of the game with a decisive third quarter.
 
CSUMB relied on its defense early to stay within reach, forcing 21 Jessup turnovers and holding the Warriors to one made three-pointer. The offense finally clicked coming out of halftime, when the Otters shot 8-for-13 in the third quarter and posted 21 points.
 
Leah Sarabia led the surge with 15 points on 5-of-7 shooting in just 19 minutes, including three made threes, while A'ajah Slocum added six points, six rebounds and five assists.
 
Malaysia Lucero played an important role inside with 12 points, adding six rebounds and two blocks. Aliyah Young gave the Otters another lift on the perimeter with six points and two steals, and the CSUMB bench contributed 28 points overall, helping create separation in the second half.
 
CSUMB finished the game shooting 21-for-58 while Jessup went 19-for-51 from the field. The Otters also scored 17 points off turnovers and matched the Warriors with 32 points in the paint.
 
After a slow start, Monterey Bay controlled the final 20 minutes and closed out the win with a 19-8 fourth quarter.
 
The Otters will continue on the road when they return to the hardwood on Tuesday, Nov. 25, to face Dominican University at the Conlan Center.