ATHERTON, Calif. – STU took on Menlo College in the opening round of the Peninsula Classic Tuesday night.  STU got down early and allowed Menlo to coast through the final 20 minutes and the earn the 65-48 victory.
 
STU jumped out to a slow start and succumbed to some tenacious defense from the Menlo Oaks which set the stage for an 18-point first-half advantage.  It took the Bobcats four minutes to get on the board and not much improved for the remainder of the first half. STU committed 13 turnovers in the opening period and shot just 3-of-7 (43 percent) from the charity stripe.  The Oaks took a 35-17 lead into the locker room.
 
If STU wanted to make the second half interesting it couldn't waste time and for a moment it looked like the Bobcats had a chance to do so. Menlo's lead was trimmed to 39-27 on an Amanda Fernandez basket nearly six minutes into the second half, but Menlo's Stephanie Truong made a huge 3-pointer on the ensuing possession and followed with a driving score to establish a 17-point lead. The Oaks led by as much as 22 points down the stretch and were at least 16 in front over the final 12 minutes.
 
Menlo limited the Bobcats to 28.6 percent shooting from the field. Alexandria Vanterpool and Cindy Castrillon each netted 13 points, but the duo combined to shoot 9-for-30 from the field. Victoria Caballero tallied 10 points.
 
The Bobcats (4-4) face William Jessup at 4 p.m. in the Peninsula Classic 3rd place game, followed by a 6 p.m. tilt between Fresno Pacific and Menlo.