HAYWARD, Calif. -- The Cal State East Bay men's basketball team was defeated at home on Friday night 64-43 by UC San Diego, which entered the contest ranked No. 14 in the nation.

The Pioneers fall to 6-9 for the season and 2-6 in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA), while the Tritons improve to 13-2 overall and move into first place in the CCAA standings at 8-1.

It was a tough night offensively for the Pioneers, who shot just 29 percent from the field and went 1-for-16 from three-point range. UCSD never trailed in the game after a Drew Dyer triple put them up 8-7 six minutes into the first half. Dyer led all scorers with 17 points for the night, pacing a Triton squad that shot 53 percent from the floor and out-rebounded the Pioneers 39 to 26.

"UCSD is a top-25 team for a reason," said head coach Gus Argenal. "They execute, defend, and rebound every night. We were solid defensively, but we have to step up to the plate with our rebounding and offensive execution."

Senior forward Ryan Okwudibonye was the only Pioneer to score in double figures, totaling 12 points in just 17 minutes on 5-for-11 shooting. 

Senior Alex Carmon notched eight points and three rebounds, while reigning CCAA Player of the Week Jalen Richard finished with six points, three boards, and a pair of steals. 

Freshman Jordan Balser knocked down the team's only long ball, giving him five points for the night. Senior Jack Pasquini paced the squad with five rebounds.

CSUEB did force 17 Coyote turnovers, but the team simply couldn't hit enough shots to make a sustained comeback. 

"Offensively, we need to finish at the rim, share the ball, and be confident shooters," Argenal added. "I am looking forward to seeing a bounce-back game on Saturday."

The Pioneers are back in action in the Hayward hills, on Saturday, Jan. 16 when the welcome in Cal State San Bernardino for a 7:30 p.m. tip-off. East Bay will be looking to complete the season sweep of the Coyotes after topping them 81-70 on Dec. 1.