HAYWARD, Calif. — Championship season is starting early for the Pioneers.

The Cal State East Bay men's basketball team begins California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) play with two contests this weekend, as the Pioneers play host to Cal State LA on Thursday, Nov. 21, before hitting the road to face Chico State on Saturday, Nov. 23.

Both games will be streamed live, and live stats will be available. In addition, Saturday's contest at Chico State will feature a live radio broadcast.

Cal State East Bay (3-1) has had a strong start to its non-conference slate after earning victories over Holy Names, Notre Dame de Namur and Dominican (CA). The Pioneers will have two more games outside of conference play next week when they travel to take on Saint Martin's on Nov. 27, and welcome Fresno Pacific to Pioneer Gym on Nov. 30.

Head coach Bryan Rooney acknowledged there is a heightened sense of urgency in conference play, and views this week's contests as the first of 22 "championship games."

"The great thing about the CCAA is every game is a big game," he said. "You're playing against very talented, well-coached teams.

"We're excited about the fact we open up at home. We've had some really good crowds in our first couple home games, and we hope it continues on Thursday."

CSUEB got two big performances from junior guard Nai Carlisle last week, highlighted by a 20-point, six assist performance against Academy of Art on Nov. 12. 

The Pioneers had four players finish in double figures in the Nov. 15 victory over Dominican, led by junior forward Zafir Williams' 14 points and seven rebounds.

Cal Stat East Bay has won each of its last two matchups against Cal State LA, but Rooney believes it will take the Pioneers' best effort to come away with a home win on Thursday.

"It starts defensively," he said. "Cal State LA is extremely talented and well-coached in terms of their offensive attack. 

"If we're going to be in the game at the end, we've got to make sure we defend at a high level."