OAKLAND — The Cal State East Bay men's basketball team suffered a narrow loss to Fresno Pacific on Saturday evening, 79-76, in a contest played at Tobin Gym on the campus of Holy Names University.

The Pioneers (5-3, 1-1 CCAA) led by as many as 13 in the first half and held a seven-point lead at halftime, but the Sunbirds rallied behind to tie the score 57-57 midway through the second half.

Fresno Pacific (2-4) took a one-point lead on a Aamondae Coleman layup with 28 seconds remaining and freshman guard Kaito Williams missed a 3-pointer from the corner at the other end with seven seconds to go.

Junior forward Zafir Williams notched his sixth double-double of the season — and fourth straight — finishing with 25 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks. 

Junior forward Josh Dhatt played well off the bench finishing with 11 points and four rebounds, junior guard Nai Carlisle added 10 points with four rebounds and Kaito Williams scored nine points.

CSUEB outrebounded Fresno Pacific 33-31 and forced 22 Sunbird turnovers, but was unable to overcome cold shooting from the field in the second half. The contest featured 11 lead changes and was tied on seven different occasions. 

The Pioneers return to action at home on Thursday, Dec. 5, as Cal State East Bay resumes California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) play against Cal State Dominguez Hills beginning at 7:30 p.m.