Box Score HAYWARD, Calif. -- The Cal State East Bay men's basketball team hung with the 17th-ranked school in the nation on Friday night, but ultimately fell just shot in its bid for an upset with an 80-73 loss to Cal State San Bernardino (18-3, 15-2 CCAA). It's just the fourth home loss of the season for the Pioneers (7-16, 4-13 CCAA).

"Coach Oliver has one of the best teams in the country," said head coach Gus Argenal. "They are explosive and have the ability to play any style. We felt our game plan gave us a great chance to win, and our guys executed for the majority of the game."

East Bay shot 46.4 percent for the game and did much of their damage around the basket, despite the Coyotes holding an advantage in size. The Pioneers scored 40 points in the paint, led by Kyle Frakes and Jarred Jourdan with 14 points each, and Ryan Hebebrand with nine. 

Unfortunately the home team struggled at the free throw line, going 17-for-27 (63 percent). They also couldn't get it going from long range. The Pioneers made just four of their 23 three-point attempts (17.4 percent). Jacari Whitfield knocked down three of those -- all in the first half -- and finished with a team-high 15 points for East Bay.

Frakes finished 6-for-7 from the field, including several dunks, to go along with six rebounds. Jourdan was 5-for-9 on field goals and dished out three assists. 

Freshmen Aaron Cameron, who scored seven points in 14 minutes, and Paramvir Singh, who posted six points on 3-for-4 shooting, both gave the Pioneers quality minutes off the bench.

Senior Mark Samuels saw his first action after missing three games with an injury and filled up the scoresheet with four points, six rebounds, and three assists in 25 minutes off the bench.

Senior Kenneth Farr II got his second straight start and grabbed two boards in eight minutes. 

CSUSB's Andrew Young led all players with 27 points as the Coyotes shot 50 percent for the game. Lacy Haddock scored 17 points and handed out six assists.

Gabe Kindred and San Bernardino's Kirby Gardner were both ejected in the first half after being issued dead-ball technical fouls.

The Pioneers are back on the court on Saturday, Feb. 15 for "Think Pink" night at East Bay in support of breast cancer awareness and the Play4Kay initiative. They're scheduled to tip-off at 7:30 p.m. against UC San Diego following the women's game.

"I love this team and the heart they're showing every night," Argenal added. "We are close."