ROHNERT PARK, Calif. — The Cal State Monterey Bay men's basketball team saw a good chance to strengthen its position in the CCAA Tournament race buried by a late Sonoma State run as the Seawolves rallied to take a 74–62 decision Friday night in The Wolves Den.

The Otter led 54–49 with nine minutes remaining when they went ice cold on both ends of the floor to allow the Seawolves a game–clinching 24–4 run. The Otter offense went 2–of–12 from the field—including 0–of–6 from beyond the arc—while the defense allowed the Seawolves to shoot 70 percent over that decisive stretch. Sonoma also made 10–of–11 from the line over the final nine minutes to squash any thoughts of an Otter comeback.

Senior swingman Ryan Nitz (Rancho Cucamonga/Chaffey College) continued his strong run of play by posting his second career double–double with 15 points and a game–high 11 rebounds. Alex Fertig (Fresno/Buchanan HS) added 13 points and now needs just two points to break Brandon Ward's CSUMB career scoring record of 1,231 points.

He'll get that opportunity Saturday night when the Otter head south on Highway 101 to face San Francisco State in a 7:30 p.m. tipoff. The Otters return home to host Cal State East Bay Tuesday in The Kelp Bed.