Friday, Jan. 18 
vs. Cal State San Bernardino (6-6, 4-4 CCAA)
Pioneer Gym | Hayward
5:30 p.m.
Live stats

Saturday, Jan. 19 - Dads & Daughters
vs. UC San Diego (8-7, 6-2 CCAA)
Pioneer Gym | Hayward
5:30 p.m.
Live stats

HAYWARD, Calif. – The Pioneer women's basketball team will continue their four-game homestand with two contests this week. On January 18, the Pioneers will play Cal State San Bernardino. The Pioneers will face UC San Diego on January 19 to conclude their four-game homestand. Both games will tip off at 5:30 p.m.

The Pioneers split a two-game series with Cal State San Bernardino last season including a 58-52 victory in Pioneer Gym. East Bay was swept by UC San Diego in a two-game series during the 2011-12 campaign.

The Pioneers are 2-5 in the CCAA and 4-7 overall. East Bay is 3-4 at home. The Pioneers snapped a four-game losing streak with a 66-54 victory over Humboldt State on January 11. Despite their record, the Pioneers have been competitive in every game, and continue to play outstanding defense. The Pioneers rank nationally in three defensive categories in Division II. East Bay ranks fifth in field goal percentage.  Opponents are shooting 31.5 percent from the field. The Pioneers are 12th in scoring defense, holding their opponents to 53.6 points a game. East Bay is 43rd in 3-point field goal defense (26.6%).

“Until we get completely healthy, it is difficult to know what this team can accomplish collectively,” Pioneer Head Coach Suzy Barcomb said. “We haven't had a complete game that the core group is playing well together. We are seeing some progress in practice but it hasn't translated into games situations. Four key areas that I know we must correct, our half-court defense, turnovers, free throws and mental focus. When athletes or teams struggle, more often than not the mental investment is lacking.  We will continue to direct our attention towards these key areas.”

Micah Walker, averaging 9.7 points per game, is the Pioneers leading scorer. Walker has scored in double figures in five games, including a season-high 16 points against Cal State Dominguez Hills.  Lauren Lucchesi is averaging 9.5 points and 5.3 rebounds a game. Tori Breshers, who tops the CCAA with 1.4 blocks a game, has come off the bench in nine out of 11 games to average 8.5 points and five rebounds a contest.  Breshers contributed to the Pioneer victory over Humboldt State this past weekend with eight points, eight rebounds, four assists, four blocks, and four steals.

Brianna Terrance, averaging 8.1 points per game, is coming off two solid games against Humboldt State and Cal Poly Pomona. In the two games, Terrance averaged 14 points, including a season-high 19 against Humboldt State. Terrance averaged 6.5 rebounds in the two games.  Marlene MacMillan is averaging seven points and a team-best 7.4 rebounds a game. MacMillan has averaged 13 rebounds in her last two games, and recorded a double-double against Cal Poly Pomona.

“The glass half-full approach is that we have some players improving and making a positive impact upon the team,” Barcomb said.  “I will continually change the starting line-up to find the right combination out on the floor that will lead to us being successful night in and night out.” 
                                                                                                                                        
ABOUT CAL STATE SAN BERNARDINO                                                                                                                                              The Coyotes are 4-4 in the CCAA and 6-6 overall. Cal State San Bernardino defeated Cal State Stanislaus and lost to CCAA leader Chico State by six points over the weekend. Eliza Dy is averaging a team-best 12 points per game in five contests this season. Trinidee Trice, the CCAA Player of the Week, is netting 11.6 points per game, and is 10th in the CCAA in scoring with a 13 point per game average.

“Cal State San Bernardino is playing at a high level and they create match-up problems for us,” Barcomb said. “They can score from anywhere on the floor, push the tempo and attack the rim well.” 

ABOUT UC SAN DIEGO                                                                                                                                           
The Tritons are tied for second place in the CCAA with a 6-2 record. UC San Diego is 8-7 for the season. The Tritons have won their last three games, including a 71-65 victory over Chico State on January 11. UC San Diego features the top scorer in the CCAA, Daisy Feder averaging 20.6 points a game. Emily Osga is 11th in the CCAA in scoring (12.5ppg) and second in field goal percentage (51.7).

“UCSD seems to have found their way,” Barcomb said.  “They are playing incredibly well together, have an outstanding guard combination and are very versatile. They play 40 minutes of basketball and will take advantage of your mistakes.” 

Following this week, the Pioneers will play two road games at Cal State Stanislaus on January 25 and Chico State on January 26.