Otto Makes History, Cooper Comes Up Clutch In, 66-61, Win Over UCSB

Saturday, January 18

Riverside, Calif.

7:00 P.M.

University of California, Riverside

6-11,2-1Big West

UC Santa Barbara

7-10,2-2Big West

Team	1	2	3	4	F
UC Santa Barbara	13	11	19	18	61
UC Riverside	22	14	14	16	66

Photo by: Carlos Puma

Otto Makes History, Cooper Comes Up Clutch In, 66-61, Win Over UCSB

1/18/2020 10:21:00 PM | Women's Basketball

Box Score

Presented by Altura Credit Union

RIVERSIDE, Calif. — Coming into Saturday night's matchup with UC Santa Barbara, there was little doubt if Jannon Otto would reach the 1,000 point career mark. However the result of the game was in doubt until Keilanei Cooper came up clutch in UC Riverside's, 66-61, victory over visiting UCSB.

Otto came in to the night with 999 points for her career, 81 at New Mexico as a freshman and 918 as a Highlander. She got the line early in the game and converted two free-throws to reach and surpass the 1,000 point mark becoming the 19th member of UCR's exclusive club, which also features Head Coach Seyram Bell (Gbewonyo).

"I'm proud of Jannon and everything she battled through to get to this point. She really works hard and is humble about her success." said Head Coach Seyram Bell.

As for the game, the home side led 22-13 after the first 10 minutes. UCR (6-11,2-1) shot 9-14 (64%) from the field and appeared to be in full control.

The second frame saw the Highlanders maintain control and extend there advantage to 12 points at 36-24. Steady ball and stifling defense aided UCR as they held UCSB (7-10, 2-2) to 33 percent (10-30) shooting for the half. Otto had 10 at the break and Marina Ewodo added eight points and five rebounds to the UCR cause.

Late in the third period, UCSB finally showed signs of life with a 6-0 spurt to close out the quarter to make it a seven-point game, 50-43.

The fourth was played at close range and when the Gauchos were within three late in the fourth, Cooper was clutch. With the shot clock running down and a defender on back, Cooper drove to the middle of the lane, pulled up, and nailed a floater over another defender- with her left hand. She jogged back down court with her left hand raised high in appreciation. Otto, who was plagued with foul trouble throughout the second half, fouled with 34 seconds to play.

Cooper would score the final six points of the game for the Highlanders, which included four free-throws. Ewodo's steady play kept the Highlanders in position and helped them hold off the Gauchos' late charge en route to the, 66-61, victory. She finished with 17 points and seven rebounds on the night.

"I loved how we held it together after giving back some of that lead." said Coach Bell about the Gauchos' late run.
Cooper finished with a game-high 23 points to go with seven boards, while Otto had 14.

Looking Forward
The Highlanders will travel to San Luis Obispo to face Cal Poly on Thursday night, before returning home to face Hawai'i for the second time this season.