HAYWARD, Calif., -- In a thrilling matchup between the top two teams in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA), the Cal State East Bay women's basketball team captured a 59-58 victory over Humboldt State Saturday afternoon, inside Pioneer Gymnasium.
 
It was only fitting that the CCAA Game of the Week would come down to foul shots and defensive stops. After junior Morgan Greene's free throw gave the Pioneers a 57-56 lead, CSUEB needed a defensive stop to help seal the ballgame. With 13.0 seconds to play, Lumberjack guard Tyra Turner drove to the hoop for a layup but East Bay guard Madison Schiller jumped in the way to force the missed shot before Kincso Kelemen grabbed the rebound. After a HSU foul, Kelemen stepped to the line and netted both free throws to put CSUEB ahead 59-56.
 
Then just before the final buzzer, Schiller fouled Molly Dixon on a right corner three-point shot giving the Lumberjacks an attempt to force overtime. Dixon sunk the first two free throws with ease only to see her last attempt rattle off the basket as Kelemen grabbed the game-sealing rebound.
 
"Humboldt State is one of the few teams in the CCAA that has championship pedigree," explained Pioneer Head Coach Shanele Stires. "Two years ago they represented the CCAA in the West Region Finals and they still have a core set of players from that team currently on their roster. So it's a huge win for us against a well-coached team that competes hard every game. Our team really had a tough week with finals and to be able to stage off a late charge by Humboldt and find a different way to win with different combinations of players on the floor is great for us. I think it gives us a lot of momentum and a lot of confidence we can build on. I couldn't be more proud of this team as they continue to show that they want an opportunity to play for a CCAA Championship."
 
With the victory, East Bay takes sole possession of first place in the CCAA Standings carrying an overall record of 9-3 with a 5-1 mark in league play. The Pioneers are also 3-1 inside Pioneer Gymnasium.
 
Greene had her best game of the season, recording her first double-double of the year with 17 points and 16 rebounds, both season-high marks. Greene shot 7-of-10 for the game and went 3-of-4 from the charity stripe, adding three assists and three blocks to help the Pioneers dominate in the paint and on the glass. The Pioneers out scored the Lumberjacks 34-18 inside the painted area and took the rebounding advantage 38-30. CSUBE secured 13 offensive rebounds that led to 18 second-chance points.
 
"It was needed and I think it gives her a boost in the arm," expressed Stires on Greene's huge game. "She has really had to learn how to use her body differently. And if you see how she's plays and competes, you'll see why she's so important to our team. And honestly if we're going to compete for a championship we need her to continue to play like this."
 
Kelemen was lights out from downtown, tying her career-high mark of 15 points on 4-of-7 shooting from beyond the three-point arc. Kelemen also went 3-of-4 from the free-throw line, including two clutch foul shots at the end of regulation. Kayley Hsiung turned in 12 points on 5-of-11 accuracy from the floor. Hsiung made two three-pointers of her own to go along with four rebounds, an assist, a block and a steal.
 
The Pioneers have now strung together seven consecutive games holding opponents under 40 percent shooting. East Bay's defensive pressure forced 13 turnovers by Humboldt State that they converted into 10 points.
 
"We have a really nice core of guards," said Stires. "They're continuing to learn how to compete and play on this level. But the fact that we have been able to win games late and find ways to win through some of the adversities so far this year is really positive. That's what I'm most excited about. If we can get them to take two more steps by February, I think we can be playing our best basketball as we wind down the season. I like how we're playing but I do feel our best basketball is ahead of us."
 
The Pioneers will have seven days off before returning to action with a home game against Stanislaus State on Sunday, December 22 at 1 p.m. inside Pioneer Gymnasium.