HAYWARD, Calif. -- The Cal State East Bay men's basketball team opened its California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) schedule with a decisive 91-62 victory over visiting Cal State San Marcos Saturday afternoon.

There was a great deal for which to be thankful on this holiday weekend at Pioneer Gymnasium, as CSUEB dominated the game in virtually every way. The Pioneers held the Cougars under 40 percent shooting, while hitting at 47.5 percent themselves.

Led by a trio of newcomers in Nai Carlisle, Jesse Galloway, and Trent Warren, East Bay was red-hot from long distance. As a team, they knocked down 50 percent from beyond the arc, and they were particularly stellar in the second half, going 7-for-10. 

It was also an impressive defensive effort for the home team, which tallied 10 steals and out-rebounded San Marcos handily, 43-26. Through six games, the Pioneers have been among the stingiest defenses in the CCAA, ranking No. 2 in the conference at 62.8 points allowed per game. 

CSUEB briefly trailed 5-0 early in the first half as the visitors hit the first two buckets of the game, but the Pioneers quickly answered with an 18-0 run to take over the momentum.

That stretch was highlighted by two triples from Galloway and three baskets by senior Evan Wardlow. The Cougars finally halted the scoring run with a three-pointer of their own, but East Bay never relinquished its lead. CSUSM played the Pioneers basically even the rest of the first half, then the home team pulled away over the final 20 minutes.

Carlisle was the catalyst offensively, pouring in a career-high 25 points on 8-for-13 shooting. He also tied for the team lead with five rebounds along with senior Patrick Marr.

Galloway turned in a nearly flawless performance in his first career start. The freshman scored 12 points, went 4-for-4 from long distance, and dished out a team-high five assists with just one turnover.

Warren finished 3-for-6 from three-point range and tallied 15 points in just 16 minutes off the bench. Those three players were the only Pioneers to score in double figures, but head coach Bryan Rooney got a tremendous effort from his bench overall. 13 different players scored in the blowout win, with 11 of them playing at least 10 minutes.

Next up, the Pioneers continue their CCAA schedule with two more home games this upcoming week. They welcome in Cal State Dominguez Hills Thursday evening before hosting Cal State LA next Saturday afternoon.