HAYWARD, Calif. — The No. RV Cal State East Bay men's basketball team found its stride in the second half, but it wasn't enough to overcome an early deficit as the Pioneer dropped Tuesday night's contest to Academy of Art, 61-57.

CSUEB (2-1) outscored the Knights 31-21 in the second half, and pulled within five with six minutes remaining after senior Trent Warren's 3-pointer.

Junior forward Zafir Williams knocked down a three to make it a six point game with 1:35 left, and junior guard Nai Carlisle's free-throw cut Art U's lead to five with just under a minute to go. However, Cal State East Bay was unable to finish off the comeback.

Carlisle led all scorers with a game-high 20 points, while Williams finished with 11 points and seven rebounds. Junior Josh Dhatt added nine points off the bench.

Cal State East Bay tallied seven steals and forced Academy of Art (2-1) into 18 turnovers, as the Pioneers recorded with 12 points off turnovers.

Both teams finished with eight made 3-point field goals and CSUEB had a 15-8 edge in bench points.

Cal State East Bay continues its homestand on Friday, Nov. 15, as the Pioneers play host to Dominican beginning at 7:30 p.m.