Box score

HAYWARD, Calif. – The Pioneers put together a solid 40-minute game in a 74-72 CCAA victory over Cal State San Bernardino before 380 fans in Pioneer Gym.

Cal State East Bay (9-14, 7-12 CCAA) trails Cal State Stanislaus by two games with three to play for the eighth and final spot for the conference playoffs.

A three-pointer by Jason Smith and a pair of Mark Samuels' free throws gave the Pioneers a 69-67 lead with 2:14 remaining in the game.

Cal State East Bay maintained a 71-69 advantage with 1:35 left on a Samuels' layup.

The Coyotes' Hakeem Washington hit a jumper with 1:07 remaining to tie the game, 71-71.

Quinton Lilley hit the go-ahead basket for the Pioneers with 29 seconds left.                                                     

Samuels converted a free throw at the 14 second mark to give the Pioneers a 74-72 lead.

San Bernardino had one last chance, but Nate Roth missed a 3-pointer as time expired.

“We came to play for 40 minutes, and didn't have a bad stretch during the game,” Pioneer head coach Will Biggs said. “This was an important home victory. I'm so proud of our guys. This was a great team win.”

The Pioneers fell behind 17-12 in the early going, but rallied to take a 19-17 lead on a jumper by Tre Mauldin with 11:58 remaining.

Cal State San Bernardino went on a 16-9 run the following five minutes to go back in front 33-28.

Jacari Whitfield hit a three-pointer at the buzzer to narrow the Coyotes lead to 40-38 at halftime.

Smith, who converted six 3-pointers and Samuels had 18 points for the Pioneers. Samuels completed a double-double with 10 rebounds.    Whitfield converted four 3-pointers and ended with 12 points.

The Coyotes' Theron Laudermill had a double-double with 25 points and 10 rebounds.

The Pioneers will close out the home season on February 18 against UC San Diego. Seniors Roshun Wynne and Adam Watts will be honored prior to the 7:30 p.m. tip-off.