SAN FRANCISCO – A strong start did not carry over into the second half for Cal State Monterey Bay as the Otters ultimately fell to the San Francisco State Gators, 62-51, Thursday evening at the Federal Credit Union Gym at the Don Nasser Family Plaza. 

The Otters opened the contest, claiming a 13-11 advantage after the first quarter and going into halftime with a 28-27 lead, but an eight-point third that saw the Gators drop 18 was too much to overcome.

Cold shooting was the main culprit in the night for CSUMB, connecting on just one three-pointer (1-of-12) while shooting 33-percent (19-of-57) from the field. 

Jayden McNeal led the Otters with 10 points, making 3 of 8 shots and going 4-of-5 from the free-throw line in 20 minutes. Jennifer Moreno Ortiz scored eight points with three rebounds, and Aliyah Young also added eight points, including the made three-pointer. 

Leah Sarabia returned to the court and finished with eight points and seven rebounds, while A'Ajah Slocum contributed seven points and three rebounds.

CSUMB showed effort on the boards with 38 rebounds and forced 19 turnovers, creating 15 points off the SFSU miscues. The Otters also tallied 34 points in the paint. 

The Otters will continue their road swing when they head to Hayward to face Cal State East Bay. The two teams will meet on Saturday, Jan. 25, with tip-off scheduled for 5:30 p.m.