BOX SCORE

CARSON, Calif. — Any rust the Cal State Monterey Bay women's basketball team may have gathered during its month-long layoff proved to be barely visible. The Otters raced to a 20-point lead in the first half then kept Cal State Dominguez Hills at arm's length down the stretch to defeat the Toros 78-66 Friday night in The Torodome.

CSUMB improved to 6-1 overall and 3-1 in the California Collegiate Athletic Association with the win. Dominguez Hills fell to 2-7 and 1-4.

The Otters matched their season-high by scoring 78 points, but their No. 5 ranked defense allowed a season-high 66 points, including 38 in the second half. The Toros stayed in the game thanks to a 29-10 advantage in free-throw opportunities.

Offensively, the Otters received a balanced effort, led by a career-high 14-point effort from senior guard Danielle Padilla (Salem, Ore./Chemeketa CC). CSUMB also got its second double-double of the season, this one courtesy of junior forward Ashley Morgan (Rohnert Park/Santa Rosa CC), who set personal bests with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Sophomore guards Nikki Beckman (Dublin/Ohlone College) and Angelique Bailey (Fontana/Etiwanda HS) directed the offense with six and five assists respectively.

CSUMB took the lead for good on Beckman three-pointer four minutes into the game. The bucket opened the doors on an 18-3 run that put the Otters up 24-10 and really removed any doubt from the game's outcome.

The Otter lead grew to as many as 22 points early in the second half. The Toros whittled away at the deficit but never got within single digits.

CSUMB will concludes its stretch of playing seven of its first eight games on the road when it travels up the I-710 to tackle Cal State L.A. Saturday night. The Otters return to The Kelp Bed for their CCAA home opener Jan. 11 against Cal Poly Pomona.