SEASIDE, Calif. – A late fourth quarter run by Chico State was one the Cal State Monterey Bay women's basketball team could not overcome as the Otters fell, 61–52, on Friday night at the Kelp Bed.
 
The Wildcats used a 16-6 run after retaking the lead for good with a little over six minutes left in the final frame to pull out the victory. The Otters climbed all the way back when Malaysia Lucero sank two free throws at the 6:28-mark.
 
The Otters competed through all four quarters but trailed early and were unable to fully erase the deficit despite steady effort on both ends. Chico State opened with an 18–12 first quarter advantage and maintained the lead throughout the game, but Monterey Bay kept it within a basket in each the final free quarters.
 
CSUMB fought back in the second and third quarters, cutting into the gap with pressure on both the glass and in transition, but Chico State's offense continued to find scoring opportunities.
 
Monterey Bay finished with 52 points on 19-for-59 shooting, moving the ball enough to get looks from three and inside, but conversions were hard to come by at key moments. CSUMB did connect on four of 17 three-point attempts and hit 10 of 15 free throws.
 
Individually, Jennifer Moreno Ortiz led the Otters with 14 points while Lucero added 13 points and six rebounds and Leah Sarabia scored 11 and pulled down a team-high nine rebounds.
 
Monterey Bay battled inside with 36 total rebounds and forced 17 turnovers, but Chico State's consistency at the line and ability to score in transition helped the visitors hold on for the win.
 
The Otters will close out the 2025 calendar year on Sunday, Dec. 21, against Cal Poly Humboldt. Tip-off is scheduled for 1 p.m.