SEASIDE, Calif. – Behind a huge third quarter, the Cal State Monterey Bay women's basketball team earned a crucial 74-63 victory over Cal State East Bay Thursday evening at the Kelp Bed.

Both teams entered the contest even in the CCAA standings at 8-10, and it was the Otters who prevailed in a pivotal matchup with huge postseason implications. The win moves the Otters to 12–12 overall and 9–10 in CCAA play, keeping the momentum high as the regular season winds down.

After a back-and-forth first half that saw the Pioneers (9–17, 8–11 CCAA) take a slim 35–33 lead into the locker room, the Otters completely took over in the third period.

CSUMB erupted for 27 points while suffocating the East Bay offense, holding the visitors to just five points on 15% shooting in the frame.

A flurry of fast-break points and high-percentage looks in the paint allowed the Otters to flip the script and enter the final quarter with a double-digit cushion.

Jennifer Moreno Ortiz led the scoring effort with 17 points, adding four rebounds and four assists while playing nearly the entire game (38 minutes) for her seventh straight double-digit performance.

Leah Sarabia controlled the glass all night, recording a massive double-double with 14 points and a game-high 12 rebounds. She was also a force on defense with five steals. Speaking of defense, Aajah Slocum provided steady leadership at the point, chipping in 12 points and six rebounds while also tallying five thefts.

Cheyanne Whitfield and Malaysia Lucero sparked the team off the bench, combining for 16 points. Newcomer Riley Walls added nine points on 4-of-8 shooting.

The Otters will close out the home portion of their schedule on Saturday, Feb. 21. The matchup against San Francisco State will mark Senior Day for CSUMB. Tip-off is scheduled for 1 p.m. from the Kelp Bed.