Box Score SEASIDE, Calif. – In their final contest of the 2012 calendar year, the Cal State East Bay men's basketball team lost on the road to Cal State Monterey Bay on Sunday evening by the score of 98-72. The game was in many ways a mirror opposite of the last meeting between these two teams – a Pioneer victory – as the Otters maintained control throughout. This is the third straight road loss for the Pioneers (3-5, 2-2 CCAA), who split their season series with CSUMB (5-6, 1-3 CCAA).

East Bay scored the first couple baskets of the game, but the Otters proceeded to hold them scoreless for more than four minutes of game time early in the first half. CSUMB went on a 15-0 to take a double digit lead that they would maintain most of the game. The Pioneers were able to tie the score at 30-30 with six minutes to go in the half, but the Otters answered back and carried a nine-point advantage into halftime. Jurrell Turner and Tre Mauldin led East Bay with eight points each at the break.

The Pioneers were unable to pull any closer in the second half, as the Otters caught fire and shot 54.6 percent from the field. East Bay couldn't find an answer for freshman Alex Fertig, who had a game-high 25 points on 8-for-11 shooting, or senior Brandon Ward, who scored 19 points on 8-of-12 from the floor.

The Otters continued to extend their lead late in the game, partly because the Pioneers simply couldn't sustain a scoring run. East Bay was 0-for-10 from three-point range in the second half. Cal State Monterey Bay finished the game shooting a sparkling 52.1 percent from the field and 47.2 percent from three. The win preserves the Otters' undefeated home record this season.

The Pioneers shot just 37.1 percent for the game, including 5-for-24 from long distance. Turner posted the team's only double-double, finishing with 13 points, 10 rebounds, two blocks, and two steals. Ota Okungbowa also scored 13 points. The redshirt freshman was 6-for-13 from the field and grabbed five rebounds.

Mauldin was the only other Pioneer in double figures, scoring 10 points to go with four boards. Nick Marshall racked up 14 rebounds – a career high for the senior – to lead all players. He also added five points despite struggling to find the shooting touch. Jacari Whitfield notched nine points and dished out three assists to lead the team. Gabe Kindred and Vincent Capellino scored eight points apiece, playing 16 and 14 minutes, respectively.

The Pioneers get back into their regular routine this week, and they'll begin 2013 with a road trip to Southern California for a tough CCAA double-header. East Bay visits Cal State LA on Friday night and Cal State Dominguez Hills on Saturday night, with both games set to tip-off at 7:30 p.m.

Thank you for your support of the Pioneers in 2012. Cal State East Bay Athletics wishes our fans a safe and happy New Year!