HAYWARD, Calif. — The No. RV Cal State East Bay men's basketball team continues its three-game homestand this Friday, Nov. 15, as the Pioneers play host to Dominican beginning at 7:30 p.m.

A live stream and live stats will be available.

After beginning the season with two strong victories, CSUEB (2-1) is coming off a setback Tuesday evening against Academy of Art. 

The Pioneers, who are receiving votes in the National Association of Basketball Coaches Poll (NABC), outscored the Knights 31-21 in the second half of the contest. Junior guard Nai Carlisle scored 10 of his team-high 20 points after intermission.

However, head coach Bryan Rooney believes the early first-half deficit was too steep to climb out of.

"I'm proud of our effort, but obviously we put ourselves in a tough spot in the first half," he said. "I thought our intensity was better in the second half. 

"I know it sounds simple, but we just played harder and little more together (in the second half), which made a difference."

Cal State East Bay will need to bring its best effort on Friday, as Rooney acknowledged he's been impressed by Dominican's guard play. 

Junior guard Jordan Williams leads the Penguins this season with 19.5 points per game, while fellow junior guard Jaelen Ragsdale is averaging 18 points through two contests this season. 

It will also be the Pioneers' final non-conference game before beginning California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) play at home on Nov. 21 against Cal State LA.

"(Dominican) is an extremely talented in the backcourt," said Rooney. "Their guard play has been excellent on film, so we'll have our hands full. 

"It's all about getting ready for conference play. Friday is a very important game for us not only in terms of how hard we play, but how together we are."