HAYWARD, Calif.-- Cal State East Bay was up just one point at 45-44 with 7:36 remaining in the game, but a Shannon Bland jumper at 7:13 launched a 14-0 run to ensure the Pioneers would win their ninth straight game, make it 5-0 in the CCAA, and 11-2 overall. The Gators head back home with a 1-3 conference mark and 3-7 overall.

The even numbered quarters were the spots where the Pioneers were able to separate themselves from the Gators. The Pioneers outscored the Gators by a combined 27-9 in the second and fourth; 11-2 in the second and 16-7 in the fourth.

"We defended well enough in two of the quarters to earn a win tonight. We were fortunate to capitalize at the free throw line tonight," said Cal State East Bay Head Coach Suzy Barcomb.

The Pioneers dominated the rebounding category by a 44-23 advantage, including 19-6 on the offensive end that led to a 14-5 score on second chance points.

"Our focus tonight was getting on the glass, as an entire team. We accomplished that and took second chance opportunities away from SFSU," said Barcomb.

The Pioneers had a big edge from the charity-stripe. The Pioneers hit-on 72.7% (24-33) to the Gators 53.8% (7-13). The Pioneers needed the free throws as they shot 34% (16-47) from the field, but held the Gators to 37.8% shooting (17-45).

"We want to be a team that defends and is relentless on the glass for the entire game," said Barcomb. "We know there are going to be nights when we don't shoot it particularly well and we must be able to rely upon our defense and rebounding ability to get stops.

Senior Shannon Bland paced the Pioneers with 13 points, including 5-5 from the free throw line. Bland also had six rebounds, a game-high five assists, and two steals.

Senior Madison Craig had 11 points and five rebounds. Senior Tori Breshers was the other Pioneer in double-figures with 10.

Senior Laci Effenberger had eight points, five rebounds, and three assists. Senior Ashleigh Anderson had a game-high nine rebounds.

Junior Remy Puou had nine points and six rebounds and was singled-out by Barcomb for her play.

"I thought it was one of Remy's best games this year, in terms of rebounding, defending, and running the floor.

Cal State East Bay hopes to continue its winning ways when it travels south to face Cal State San Marcos Thursday at 5:30 P.M.