California State University, Monterey Bay’s (CSUMB) men’s basketball team displayed a dominant performance against Cal Poly Humboldt, closing the game with a season-high 86-65 victory.
The Lumberjacks achieved possession initially, but the Otters responded with pace and precision as both teams battled to control the scoreboard.
Senior guard Jordan May (#12) was an offensive threat to Humboldt, scoring 20 points for CSUMB.
The Otter defense was on full display when sophomore Kyle Johnson (#7) blocked the jump shot attempt of Humboldt’s Bryce Mitchell.
Junior guard Levi Frankland (#3) made a series of 3-pointers, further cementing the lead, followed by an assist from freshman Jailen Nelson (#10), leaving the score 25-16.
Andrew Ferguson (#13), a junior center, found himself in the paint with possession of the ball. Surrounded by defenders, Ferguson completed a turnaround jump shot.
Junior guard Tommy Kramer (#14) led the offense with composure, utilizing calculated passes and ball-handling, weighing his options and ensuring possession.
Senior Forward Noah Stapes (#23) suffered a knee injury caused by a fall on his way to the basket, keeping him out of the game until the second half.
With six seconds on the clock, Ferguson sank a 3-pointer, concluding the first period at 49-28, with the Otters leading.
Ferguson used his height to his advantage in the second period, blocking consecutive shot attempts, causing the crowd to erupt.
The defensive streak continued for the Otters as Humboldt failed to make multiple baskets.
As the game came to a close, Johnson made three back-to-back dunks, an exciting conclusion to a dominant performance by CSUMB.
The Otters take on the Sonoma State Seawolves on Feb. 5.