An epically cold shooting spell kept Cal State Monterey Bay from protecting an 19–point halftime lead as Dominican University rallied for a 77–72 win Sunday afternoon in The Kelp Bed. CSUMB (2–3 overall) led by as many as 20 in the first half and settled on a 47–28 advantage at the break. But the Otters came out of the lockerrrom ice cold and the Penguins came out red-hot, whittling the CSUMB advantage to four points in the first five minutes of the half.
The Otters ended up shooting just 24 percent from the floor in the final 20 minutes, including a 2-for-12 effort from beyond the arc.
Despite the frigid shooting, CSUMB was able to hold off the Penguins until a pair of PJ Volz free throws tied the game at 60–60 and two Jaayden Bush freebies on the ensuing Dominican possession gave the Penguins their first lead of the game. CSUMB forged three ties down the stretch, but never again regained the advantage.
Levi Frankland (Gold Coast, Queensland) led four Otters in double figures with 19 points.
THE GAME WAS STATISTICALLY OVER WHEN… PJ Volz made the second of two free-throw attempts with seven seconds remaining to extend Dominican's lead to 77–72.
WELCOME TO THE CLUB… Redshirt freshman Damjan Agovic (Carmichael/Del Campo HS) made his first collegiate appearance Sunday afternoon. He finished with one rebound, one steal and one foul in two minutes of action.
TAKING CARE OF THE ROCK… The Otters did an historically good job taking care of the ball by committing just six turnovers Sunday versus Dominican. It marked their fewest turnovers in a game since they gave it away six times in a win over Cal State San Bernardino on Feb. 2, 2019. The last time they turned it over fewer times game came in a five TO performance at UC San Diego on Dec. 4, 2015.
NOT SO BIG AN ADVANTAGE… CSUMB's 47–28 halftime lead was its biggest advantage after 20 minutes so far this season. It was their biggest lead at the break since they led Cal State Dominguez Hills 29–17 on Feb. 22 last season.
LEADERS OF THE RAFT… POINTS: Levi Frankland 19; REBOUNDS: Charles Johnston 7; ASSISTS: Jailen Nelson 4; BLOCKS: Jared Williams 2; STEALS: Jailen Nelson 2.
THEY'VE GOT NEXT… The Otters continue their 5–game homestand by hosting Cal Poly Pomona for the nightcap of a CCAA doubleheader Thursday (Dec. 1). Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
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