AZUSA, Calif. -- The greatest season in the history of Cal State East Bay women's basketball came to an end on Friday evening, as the Pioneers fell to No. 21 UC San Diego 74-59 in the first round of the NCAA Division II West Regionals.

It was the third matchup of the season between East Bay and UCSD, who shared the CCAA regular season title with identical 18-2 records. The Tritons won 56-54 during the regular season, then the Pioneers earned a 79-77 overtime victory in the CCAA semifinals en route to CSUEB's first ever tournament championship.

UCSD entered the NCAA West Regional as the No. 4 seed, with the Pioneers slotted at No. 5. Unfortunately, the rubber match between the two squads was not an instant classic like the previous two, as East Bay struggled to hit shots with consistency throughout the evening. The Tritons (25-4) ultimately put an end to the East Bay's 14-game winning streak, and the Pioneers finished their historic season with a record of 27-5. 

"We had too many missed opportunities close to the rim," said head coach Suzy Barcomb. "As a team we can't miss those scoring opportunities and expect to beat a very talent Triton team. I don't think UCSD was a fourth seed team -- I firmly believe they are one of the best teams in this tournament."

After the start of play was delayed briefly due to a leak in the roof, the Pioneers were hot early in the game, jumping out to an 11-4 lead. Laci Effenberger knocked down a pair from well beyond the arc, making it 47 straight games with a three-point field goal for the Alaska native. But the Tritons clawed back quickly, as East Bay struggled to get their shots to fall the remainder of the first half. 

UCSD led 16-12 after the first quarter and 33-26 heading into the break, riding All-CCAA players Jamie Katuna and Farrah Shokoor, who scored nine points each in the opening half. It was a somewhat sloppy first half for Pioneers, who shot 39 percent, committed nine turnovers, and were called for nine fouls. They didn't benefit from favorable officiating either, as CSUEB attempted just two free throws in the first 20 minutes. 

The Pioneers missed their first six field goal attempts of the third quarter, allowing UCSD to extend its lead to 12. The game started to become extremely physical, as both squads ratcheted up the intensity. Shannon Bland buried short jumpers in the lane on three straight possessions to cut East Bay's deficit to single digits. But the Tritons continued to get to the free throw line at will, and they went into the fourth quarter with a 56-42 lead.

The Tritons started to pull away for good early in the fourth, hitting their first three field goal attempts to make it 62-42. The Pioneers answered back with a 7-0 run, then started full-court pressing, but their comeback attempt ultimately ran out of time. UCSD ended up attempting 25 free throws, compared to just 10 for East Bay. On the occasion the Pioneers did get a call, they had an uncharacteristically poor performance at the foul line, going just 5-for-10.

"We were outscored from the free throw line by 15 points," Barcomb added. "That is difficult to overcome especially as we didn't shoot particularly well."

Shokoor had a big night on the glass, finishing with 17 points and 14 rebounds to limit CSUEB's opportunities on the offensive boards. Katuna scored 15, and Cassie Macleod turned in 16 points off the bench.

"I thought Jamie and Farrah played fantastic as usual. They are a tremendous tandem," Barcomb noted.

All four of East Bay's senior starters scored in double figures in their final game donning the red and black. Tori Breshers led the way with 16 points, six rebounds, and three blocks, going 7-for-16 from the field. Madison Craig scored 14 and grabbed five boards. Bland and Effenberger added 10 points each and combined for nine assists. The Pioneers ended up shooting 41.7 percent from the field, but went just 4-for-17 from long distance.

"In our locker room after the game there was disappointment, but not sadness," Barcomb said. "We have accomplished so much this season and have many reasons to hold our head high."

Breshers, a two-time All-CCAA honoree and the all-time leading scorer in program history, finished her four-year career holding four school records. Effenberger battled back from numerous injuries over the course of her career and was among the top three-point shooters in the nation the past two seasons. 

As a team, this year's Pioneers established new school records for victories and winning percentage. Led by six standout seniors and the No. 3 ranked scoring defense in the nation, this Cal State East Bay squad raised the bar for success at the Division II level. With five straight appearances in the CCAA postseason, CSUEB figures to remain a contender in the years to come under coach Barcomb. But for now, all future teams will be measured against the remarkable 2015-16 Pioneers.