POMONA, Calif. – Cal State East Bay became the first team in 10 tries this season to take out Cal Poly Pomona inside Kellogg Gymnasium with a 65-56 victory on Saturday night. The Pioneers led wire-to-wire following the first three of Stephanie Lopez's team-high 18 points to open the game.

Both teams struggled to find their offensive rhythm early on with the host Broncos failing to score until more than four minutes into the game. The Pioneers steadily built their lead throughout the first half and led by as many 12 before heading into halftime with a 34-25 edge.

Lopez took control for East Bay with first half team-highs of nine points, five rebounds, four assists, and three steals. Laci Effenberger drained a pair of three's and two of Bianca Littleton's three buckets came courtesy of dimes from Lopez.

"Steph was her typical self. She found open players, hit the boards, and kept our team composed," East Bay Head Coach Suzy Barcomb said of her senior guard.

Meanwhile the host Broncos shot just 25 percent (6-for-24) from the floor and went 0-of-8 from deep. Cal Poly Pomona was able to earn 19 trips to the foul line and made 13 free throws to keep its deficit minimal.

Cal Poly Pomona (13-5, 11-3 CCAA) had suffered only two losses in California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) play heading into the night. Keeping the Broncos offense in check has been the key to success with both CPP losses coming when the team fails to reach 70 points.

"We played a very inspired defensive game tonight. We had limited breakdowns and maintained our focus," praised Barcomb of her team's effort. "Micah Walker gave us great work on the glass tonight and worked tirelessly on defense."

CPP's Jada Blackwell led all players with 26 points, 11 rebounds, and three blocked shots. Most of her damage came at the free throw line making 14-of-18 in the game. However the Pioneers were able to keep the rest of the Broncos in check to preserve their lead.

Blackwell was the only player to knock down a 3-point basket going 2-for-7 on the night. Ariel Marsh entered the night as the third leading scorer in the CCAA and the second most prolific 3-point shooter in league play with 33 makes through 13 games. The Pioneers held her in check to 14 points and without a make from beyond the arc (0-of-10).

Ashley Lovett, who went for 17 points and 10 rebounds in the CCAA opener against East Bay back on Dec. 5, managed only seven points and six rebounds on Saturday. The Broncos only had three players score four points or more, while the Pioneers balanced attack featured six.

"It was truly a team effort which led us to a big win on the road. I am very proud of us for earning a much needed split on the road," Barcomb added. "Bianca, Remy Puou, and Tori Breshers were bright spots in the paint tonight."

Breshers finished with 12 points and seven rebounds before fouling out late in the game. Puou added 10 points and three rebounds. This post pair combined for six of the team's nine steals and two of team's three blocks on the evening.

Cal Poly Pomona whittled its deficit down to 61-56 with 25 seconds left but Effenberger knocked down her first two free throws as a Pioneer pair at a crucial time. The lead grew back to seven and made it a three possession margin with 18 seconds remaining.

Cal State East Bay (12-8, 7-7 CCAA) will host Sonoma State (6-12, 4-10 CCAA) on Friday, Feb. 6, at 5:30 p.m.