RENO, Nev. — The Cal State East Bay men's basketball team got its first game action of the 2019-20 season on Saturday evening, dropping its exhibition contest at Nevada, 81-52, at Lawlor Events Center.

The Pioneers opened the game on an 8-0 run behind five early points from junior forward Zafir Williams. CSUEB trailed by only five, 20-15, with 3:15 remaining in the first half after two free-throws by sophomore forward Justin Vigil.

Williams matched a game high with 21 points on 8-of-13 shooting from the field, to go along with four rebounds. The Long Beach, Calif., native also made three 3-pointers in his first appearance in a Pioneer uniform.

Junior guard Nai Carlisle finished with seven points and five assists, while freshman guard Kaito Williams also scored seven points. Seniors Evan Wardlow and Ant Navarrete scored six points apiece.

Cal State East Bay now turns its attention to the season opener against Holy Names on Nov. 8.