LA JOLLA, Calif. – In front of a boisterous Spirit Night crowd of 2,020 at RIMAC Arena, No. 10 UC San Diego turned in a stellar defensive effort to defeat visiting Cal State San Bernardino 58-41 on Saturday night. Junior forward Tiffany Hunter scored a career-high 23 points to lead Tritons, who won for the 17th time in 18 games this season.

The league-leading Tritons improved to 12-1 in California Collegiate Athletic Association play, while recording their 10th consecutive victory on their home floor. UCSD has now won 33 of its last 37 league games dating back to the end of the 2007-08 season.

The Coyotes, who had won four of five entering Saturday's matchup, including a 77-48 rout of Cal State East Bay on Thursday, fall to 11-7 overall and 7-5 in the CCAA. The Tritons swept the season series with the Coyotes, also recording a 69-55 victory in San Bernardino on December 4.

UCSD's defense was the story, limiting CSUSB to just 41 points, a low for a Triton opponent this season. The Coyotes scored just 18 points in the decisive second half and shot just 30% for the game.

The Tritons' previous scoring low for opponent was 43 points in their five-point win at Cal Poly Pomona on December 5.

Hunter was tremendous for UCSD, hitting 7-of-12 shots from the field and all nine of her free throws to crush her previous high of 14 points. The transfer from Mira Costa College also hauled down a game-high 13 rebounds to record her fifth double-double of the season.

San Bernardino hung around until 14:34 mark of the second half when UCSD used an 11-6 run to turn a 33-27 lead into a 44-32 advantage. Junior center Charity Smith -- playing in her first game since January 3 -- was instrumental in the run, scoring seven points as the Tritons finally pulled away from the Coyotes.

CSUSB closed to within seven at 46-39 following a layup by Brittany Groves with 5:17 remaining, but the Tritons would outscore the visitors 13-2 from that point forward for the 17-point win. Hunter scored seven of her points in the final 4:40, while Annette Ilg made five free throws down the stretch.

UCSD shot 37% for the game and held a decisive 46-30 advantage on the boards. The Tritons were plus-14 at the free throw line and outscored the Coyotes 30-14 in the paint.

Lisa Takata scored 12 points on 5-of-10 shooting to pace CSUSB, while Krystal Urzua finished with nine points, nine rebounds, and three assists.

The Coyotes held Chelsea Carlisle -- the CCAA's leading scorer -- to just eight points, but it didn't matter as Hunter was there to pick up the slack.

The Tritons continue their four-game homestand next week against Cal State Dominguez Hills and Cal State L.A.