SEASIDE–  The Cal State Monterey Bay Otters held on to defeat the visiting SF State Gators 65-64 this evening in a CCAA match-up at the Otter Sports Complex in Seaside, Calif.  Andre Jones and Coley Apsay lead the way for the visitors with 15 and 13 points respectively.
 
"We need to stop digging ourselves a hole," said SF State head coach Paul Trevor.  "We are not making enough plays on the second night on these conference weekends and we need to learn from this evening."
 
The Otters (4-7, 2-3 CCAA) were led by Evan Zeller's game high 17 points with Ryan Nitz chipping in 14 points and Marquise Washington adding 12 points for the victors.
 
Once again, the Gators' bench outscored their opponents this time 27-8 with Brantley Bynum's 8 points leading the way for SF State.
 
SF State built a 16-9 lead in the first seven minutes of the game capped by a Jon McMurry three.  The Otters outscored their guests 13-6 in the next six minutes to tie the game at 22-22 on two made free throws by Nitz. 
 
A jumper by Apsay gave the Gators the lead back, 24-22 but Cal State Monterey Bay scored the next three points to take a 25-24 lead with 1:15 left in the first half.
 
Ryne Williams drained a three off an assist from Apsay to give the Gators a 29-28 lead heading into the half.
 
Cal State Monterey Bay outscored the Gators 20-9 in the first six minutes of the second half to take a 48-39 lead.
 
SF State (7-4, 1-4 CCAA) would not go away as the Gators cut the deficit to 50-47 on a jumper by Warren Jackson with eight minutes to go in regulation.
 
The Otters increased their lead to 53-47 on a free throw by Zeller and a jumper by Nitz, but the Gators' Apsay three cut the hosts' lead to just three with 6:11 left in the game.
 
SF State tied the game at 53-53 with 5:14 on a three by Jones off an assist from Jackson and the visitors took a 55-53 lead on two made free throws by Damien Rance.
 
A three by Zeller gave the Otters back the lead (57-55), a lead they would not relinquish.  SF State twice cut the deficit to just one including on a made dunk by Bynum off an assist by Floyd Wormley, 59-58, but the Otters scored the next five points to increase their lead to 64-58 with just 32 ticks on the clock.

Another three by Apsay cut the Otters' lead to just one possession, but Mateo Jones made one of two free throws to solidify the victory for the hosts.  A three by Jackson as the buzzer sounded made the final 65-64 Cal State Monterey Bay.
 
SF State will return to the court for a pair of home games this coming week at The Swamp at The Don Nasser Family Plaza.  The Gators will entertain No. 13 UC San Diego this Thursday, January 7 and then Cal State San Bernardino a week from tonight.  Tip-off for both nights is set for 7:30 pm PST.
 
Box Score 
 
About San Francisco State Athletics
Gator Athletics has a proud tradition of competitive success within the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The department offers 12 intercollegiate sports programs: Baseball, Men's and Women's Basketball, Men's and Women's Cross Country, Men's and Women's Soccer, Softball, Women's Track & Field, Women's Volleyball and Men's Wrestling.
 
Gator Athletics places great emphasis on academic performance as well as athletic achievement.  The program offers student athletes the opportunity to reach their educational goals, as well pursue meaningful athletic accomplishments. For more information, visit SF State Athletics' website, Twitter and Facebook pages.