ATHERTON, CA – The first matchup for Menlo Men's Basketball in the PacWest/CCAA Crossover Challenge was a one-possession game for much of the first half and, in the second, the Oaks again showed their ability to cut down a lead, rallying with a 9-2 run and remaining within striking distance of Cal State Monterey Bay. In the end, senior forward Nick High's new career high of 27 points was not enough to overcome the Otters late as the visitors prevailed 86-76 inside Haynes-Prim Pavilion on Friday.

"Cal State Monterey Bay is a good team and we know they're trying to hunt the three-point shot," said Head Coach Jamison Montgomery." I thought we did a fairly good job taking that away, but every time we went on a run, they punched back so credit to them."

Oaks Highlights
-Bettering his previous best by seven, Nick High exploded for a career-high 27 points on 12-for-17 shooting from the field
-JaMaal Unuakhalu continued to thrive, scoring 15 points with six rebounds and three blocks
-A season-high five assists came from the hands of Jonathan Moxie

Menlo Nearly Completes Second-Half Comeback
Though the Otters managed to push an eight-point advantage at 21-13 after back-and-forth action that often resulted in scores for senior forward JaMaal Unuakhalu, Menlo used a 9-0 response to come right back as High began to catch fire. Several ties came as the lead also repeatedly changed hands before a triple in the final minute had CSUMB in front 42-39.

"Nick is a very talented player and this is just a glimpse of what he can do," Montgomery said. "If he continues to be aggressive and assertive, he gives us a great opportunity on offense to get different looks so he did a really good job tonight."

Sophomore guard Jonathan Moxie and freshman guard Jamison "JD" Beesley each hit timely 3-pointers to hold the visitors in check early in the second half, but two more triples soon made it a nine-point difference. Immediately with the rebuttal, the Oaks executed the aforementioned 9-2 burst with High and junior guard Marvin Brumfield converting high-percentage looks.

Back only by two at 65-63, Menlo stayed close and a clutch three-point play from Moxie made it 77-74 with a minute and a half left. However, the Otters' seven straight points proved to be too much with little time left as they stayed ahead for the 86-76 final.

Up Next
Day two of the PacWest/CCAA Crossover Challenge will conclude with Menlo meeting SF State for another 7 p.m. tip-off inside Haynes-Prim Pavilion.

"We talk about next-play mentality at all times," Montgomery said. "We need to have a short memory and move on to a good SF State team. We'll be ready to go tomorrow."