Otters Win Big at Home

Evan FitzGerald, staff reporter

Evan_FitzGerald@csumb.edu

January 15, 2008

"I went back to my lucky spandex," said Stephen Becker, an human communications (HCOM) senior and a guard on the CSU Monterey Bay (CSUMB) basketball team. "I didn't have them on before, but I did tonight and we won."

The first home game for the men's basketball team at CSUMB came on Jan. 11, and they took advantage of playing for the first time this year on their home court. With over 200 people in attendance, the Otters trounced their opponents, Sonoma State University.

The game started to pick up when Augie Johnston, a Business junior and guard for the Otters, scored nine points in the first six minutes of the game. Despite only having eight players suited up, as opposed to 14 by Sonoma State, the Otters were ahead 15 points at the half due in part to the outstanding defensive play by Joe Mitchell, forward and a Business junior.

In the second half things continued to go well for the Otters, as Dshon Cannon, guard and TAT senior, put on a show for the crowd with his lay-ups. Despite a late run by Sonoma State, at the end of the game the Otters came out with a solid victory at home, the score being 91-79. Five players on the team were in double digits for scoring, and Dshon Cannon lead the Otters with 24 points, followed by Jose Sanchez, an HCOM junior and guard who had 18 points.

"We have one of the top two home court advantages in the league, and it’s invaluable," said assistant coach Alex Hudson. "They stepped up, made big shots and played as they are capable of playing."

For more information on CSUMB basketball games visit www.otterathletics.com.