SAN BERNARDINO (December 30, 2017) — CSUSB relied on its defense and balanced scoring during Saturday night's 77-68 win over visiting Cal State Monterey Bay in CCAA play at Coussoulis Arena.
 
Making it happen on D
CSUSB forced the Otters into 18 turnovers that resulted into 26 points for a decisive advantage. Defensively, CSUSB allowed just two field goals from inside the 3-point arc in the second half and halted any type of dribble penetration by the Otters, as proven by their two free throw attempts for the game.
 
Efferson leads the way
Junior G Ajon Efferson broke out of his scoring slump with a game-high 23 points with three 3-pointers. He also led in assists with five in 33 minutes.
 
Down low
Seniors T.A. Dixon (19 points) and Jacardo Hawkins (16) provided enough balance as CSUSB reached the .500 mark on the year for the first time since opening 1-1. The Coyotes will take their 6-6 overall and 4-4 CCAA records into this week's games at Sonoma State (Friday) and San Francisco State (Saturday).
 
Turning point
The entire second half was a two-possession game until CSUSB got the upper-hand late. Josh Kollman's 3-pointer gave the Otters a 68-67 lead with 3:07 left. The Coyotes stepped up, finishing off the game on a 10-0 run over the final 2:49. CSUSB created four Otters' turnovers (two Blake McBride steals) and CSUMB had just two field goal attempts.
 
Perfection
CSUSB is now 14-0 all-time against the Otters in Coussoulis.