BOX SCORE

FAIRBANKS, Alaska — Thursday night, the Cal State Monterey Bay men's basketball team saw a six–point second half lead disappear thanks to a big run by Alaska. Friday night, the Otters avoided a similar predicament by embarking on a big run of their own to roll to a 78–58 win over Colorado Christian at the GCI Alaska Invitational in The Patty Center.

CSUMB (2–1 overall) went into halftime holding a 30–24 lead. The Otters then made sure this one wouldn't slip away by embarking on a 15–0 run out of the lockerroom to open a 21–point lead that would not be challenged at 45–24. They eventually expanded their advantage to as many as 27 points before settling on the 20–point final margin.

“We took a big step forward tonight. After a tough loss last night we were able to bounce back. And play really well,” said CSUMB Head Coach Rob Bishop. “We are getting better every time we take the floor and I really am enjoying watching us mature.”

Perhaps no Otter is maturing faster than freshman guard Alex Fertig (Fresno/Buchanan HS) who exploded for a game–high 24 points in just his third collegiate outing. He was at his best early, going on a personal 8–0 run to break a 7–7 tie and give the Otters a lead they wouldn't relinquish.

Seniors Derrick Anderson (Pittsburg HS) and Geoff McInotsh (Gig Harbor, Wash./N. Oklahoma) ignited the second–half surge. The duo combined for 12  of the 15 points in the big run that put the game on ice.
Junior center Kris Gallop (Vallejo/Los Medanos College) led all rebounders with nine boards for CSUMB. Senior guard Brandon Ward (Riverside/Woodcrest HS) passed for a game–high four assists.

Josh McBeth was the only Colorado Christian (2–2) player to reach double figures, finishing with 11 points.

“This was a great team effort and now we will try to get one more tommorow to cap off the trip,” added Bishop.

The Otters will conclude play at the GCI Alaska Invitational Saturday when the take on Oklahoma Panhandle State (1–2) at 4 p.m. (PST). Rob Ponce will call the action live from courtside on KRXA 540 AM and www.OtterAthletics.com.