SAN FRANCISCO -- Jalen Richard's long jumper in the final seconds of overtime lifted the Cal State East Bay men's basketball team to a thrilling 77-75 victory over San Francisco State on Friday evening at "The Swamp."

The Pioneers improve to 7-10 overall for the season and draw even with the Gators at 3-7 in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA). East Bay has been particularly impressive on the road in conference play, where they now have three victories in four games.

"I was proud of our team and the way they battled all night in regulation and overtime," said head coach Gus Argenal. "Every time you play a Paul Trevor-coached team, you have to be ready to meet their toughness level." 

Richard and senior Jack Pasquini both finished with 21 points to lead the team. Richard scored five of his in the extra period -- a three-pointer that tied the game 73-73, and then a long two from the right wing, which proved to be the final bucket of the night for either team.

The contest was tight throughout, with the lead changing hands several times. The Gators jumped out to an early lead, but the Pioneers quickly rallied back behind some hot first-half shooting. East Bay shot 52 percent from the floor in the first half, including 7-for-15 form long distance, to take a 37-20 lead into the break. Pasquini poured in 16 of his 21 points in the opening frame.

SF State drew even in the second half, and it came down to a one-possession game over the final 12 minutes. Alex Carmon scored in the paint with two minutes remaining to put the Pioneers up three, but SFSU's Brantley Bynum scored a floater and a free throw on back-to-back possessions to tie the score and force overtime. 

The Gators made a few big shots in the extra period, but each time East Bay hd an answer. After falling behind 73-30 with two minutes left, Richard buried a long three to even the score again. The Arizona native made five long balls for the night and did not come off the court in 45 minutes of game time.

Treaven Duffy got into the lane and gave the Gators the lead back, but Carmon came right back down the floor and made a crucial jumper for the Pioneers to tie the game again. CSUEB's defense forced a miss shot on the other end, and then a jump ball was called on the rebound, giving the Pioneers possession for the final shot. 

Richard's step-back from just inside the three-point arc found nothing but net with three seconds left, and the Pioneers pulled off the huge road victory.

"Jack stepped up in a huge way," Argenal added. "Balser and Carman made big plays all night, and Jalen made the biggest play with the game-winning basket in overtime. I'm very proud of this unit!"

The teams ended up nearly even in turnovers (14 to 13) and rebounds (29 to 28). SF State out-shot the Pioneers 52 percent to 46 percent from the field, but East Bay was more efficient at the free throw line, going 14-for-15.

Pasquini finished 7-for-13 from the floor and pulled in six rebounds in 43 minutes. Fellow senior Ryan Okwudibonye notched nine points and a team-high seven boards.

Carmon ended up with eight points and four rebounds while leading the Pioneers with five assists. Junior Tre Mauldin (six points) and freshman Jordan Balser (eight points, three assists, three steals) both went 2-for-3 from long distance.

The Pioneers are back in action on Saturday, Jan. 23 against another Bay Area foe as they visit Sonoma State for a 7:30 p.m. tip-off.