Circus shot grants Otters Victory

Evan FitzGerald

evan_fitzgerald@csumb.edu

Feb. 3, 2008

It came down to the wire, but the Otters were able to steal a victory away from the California Collegiate Athletic Association leading CSU San Bernardino Coyotes 73-71 on Feb. 2.

In consecutive nights the Otters have been able to upset higher ranked opponents, Cal Poly Pomona and now CSU San Bernardino, who was ranked fifth in the nation amongst Division II schools according to the NCAA coach's poll.

"They played yummy," said Gio Calegari, a Liberal Learning senior. "I knew that San Bernardino wasn't going to go away, it was going to take tenacious defense to get a win."

The game started well for the Otters, who won the tip though found themselves in an early hole. Both CSU Monterey Bay and CSU San Bernardino pressed early, but CSUMB had more success. It was an uphill battle throughout the first half for the Otters, though they were able to pull within two points at the half break. The hot shooting of Augie Johnston, a guard and Business junior who had 23 points on the night helped the Otters stay in the game. "Those points helped to bring us back into striking distance," said Johnston. "My big men were setting me really good screens and Dshon Cannon was able to get me the ball in the right spot."

The second half was a roller coaster for the Otters from the beginning, as they soon found themselves up eight points. Jacob Kernodle, a forward and Business junior then had to leave the game with five fouls, and the Otters found themselves down by 10. Despite other Otters being in foul trouble, it was the play of Steve Monreal, a guard and Social and Behavioral Sciences junior that led the Otters back into the game. Getting fouled while making a three point shot, Monreal was able to convert the four point play and bring the Otters within 5 points of their opponents. 

From there the lead changed multiple times as neither team could achieve a solid lead, and the game was tied going into the final minute of play. With under 30 seconds left Augie Johnston was fouled and converted both free throws, leaving Steve Monreal with the play of the night. The Otters recovered the ball, tied once again, and Monreal launched up a prayer of a shot as falling to the floor after being hit. The ball went through the basket with eight seconds left on the clock. San Bernardino had an open look at a three point shot to win the game, but were unable to convert.

"I do it in practice all the time," Monreal said as though it were nothing. "But it was big."

The Otters have continued their winning ways with a streak of four games in a row. Their next game is against CSU Stanislaus at the Kelp Bed on Feb. 8.

For more information visit: www.otterathletics.com.