ROHNERT PARK -- Despite a slow start that saw the Sonoma State women's basketball team fall behind by 12 points early in the second half, the Seawolves picked up the pace in a hurry and scampered past visiting Cal State Monterey Bay 59-49 on Friday night at The Wolves' Den.  The Seawolves improved to 7-9 overall and 4-8 in the CCAA.  The Otters stumbled to 4-14 (3-10 CCAA).

The hosts just couldn't get going in the first quarter, eventually falling behind 22-10 at the eight minute mark of the second quarter, due in part by a 12-0 run by the Otters.  In those opening 12 minutes of action, CSUMB was on fire, nailing eight of their first 15 shots, including 4 of 8 from long range, while SSU was just 5 of 13 shooting with an 0 for 2 showing from deep.

The tables quickly turned, however, spearheaded by a three-pointer by Carly Gill with 8:00 showing on the scoreboard in the second period which then fueled the Seawolves to outscore the Otters 23-8 over the next 14 minutes.  During that span, SSU caught fire, connecting on half of their 20 shots, including three of their four long bombs.  On the other end of the floor, CSUMB was held to just 3 of 10 and 1 of 4 from beyond the arc.

All told, from the time Sonoma went down 22-10 early, they finished the game outscoring the visitors 49-27, much thanks to some stifling defense and some hot hands.  The Seawolves forced 21 turnovers in the contest, 10 by way of the steal, turning them into 28 points.  Meanwhile, the Otters were only able to manage 11 points off of 13 Sonoma miscues.  Overall, SSU hit 27 of 53 shots for a 50.9 percentage. CSUMB went 18 of 46 (39.1 percent) and was just 6 of 20 from deep.

Ugochi Anudokem led all scorers with 15 points, Madison Burroughs added 11 and both Gill and Sam Erisman chipped in with 10 apiece.  Jerrica Crosby handed out a game-high six assists.

For Cal State Monterey Bay, Jessie Evans led the Otters with 10 tallies.

Sonoma State returns to action Saturday night at home against Cal State East Bay.  Tipoff is set for 5:30 pm.