HAYWARD, Calif. -- The Cal State East Bay men's basketball team put up a good fight against Chico State on Friday night, but ultimately fell at home to the defending NCAA Division II West Region champion Wildcats by a final score of 56-44.

Despite starting the game with just eight healthy players, the Pioneers (4-13, 2-9 CCAA) turned in a strong defensive effort, holding Chico State to 43 percent shooting from the field and 23 percent from three-point range. 

"Coach Clink and his team did what they do every night with great rebounding and defensive pressure," said head coach Gus Argenal. "We fought as a group, and I was extremely proud of how hard we battled, even with our current injuries and depth issues. We are defending much better, but we have to step up and make plays offensively."

Freshman Patrick Marr was the bright spot for East Bay, leading all scorers with a career-high 19 points. It was the seventh time this season Marr has reached double figures in scoring. The De La Salle product was on the court for all 40 minutes and posted a team-best nine rebounds.

The Pioneers found themselves in an early hole as they struggled to find the bottom of the basket, and the Wildcats jumped out to a 19-4 lead midway through the first half. But the home team rallied back and managed to put some points on the board before halftime. Over the final seven minutes of the half, Marr scored seven points and Marcus Norman added five, sending the Pioneers into the break trailing 30-16.

East Bay actually outscored Chico, 28-26, in the second half as the squad maintained a high intensity level on both ends of the court. Although they ended up shooting just 32 percent for the contest, their defensive effort remained stout, which prevented the Wildcats from pulling away.

Chico State's Isaiah Ellis led the way with 15 points and Jordan Barton scored 12 for the Wildcats, who have now won four straight games.

Juawnn Springfield finished with six points, five rebounds, and three assists. Jacari Whitfield also scored six, while fellow guard Cody Kale grabbed four boards and dished out three assists. Paramvir Singh added three points off the bench.

Darrick McIntosh turned in valuable post defense with four rebounds, two blocks, and two steals in 17 minutes off the bench. Kyle Frakes posted three points and two boards in his first start of the season.

The Pioneers are currently without six members of their rotation from the start of the season, including Jack Pasquini, who was the CCAA's leading rebounder through the first 16 games. The team will be shorthanded again on Saturday night when they take on first-place Cal State Stanislaus at Pioneer Gym. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. with live video available at PioneerWebTV.com.