HAYWARD, Calif. — The Cal State East Bay men's basketball team got back to its winning ways on Saturday, earning a hard-fought home victory over Sonoma State, 80-70, at Pioneer Gym.

Junior Zafir Williams, the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) leading scorer and rebounder, posted a double-double of 23 points with 10 rebounds, and senior Trent Warren finished with a season-high 13 points.

In addition, seniors Ant Navarrete and Evan Wardlow scored 12 points apiece, while junior guard Nai Carlisle added a team-high four assists.

Cal State East Bay (10-8, 6-6 CCAA) stormed out to an 8-0 lead in the opening minutes and pushed its advantage to 34-15 after a Williams layup with 7:04 remaining in the first half.

The Pioneers took a 15-point lead into halftime and led by double figures for the majority of the second half until the Seawolves made a late rally.

Sonoma State (3-14, 2-10) pulled within six on Isaac Davidson's short jumper with just under four minutes left to play, and a 3-pointer by Davidson moments later made it 67-64 with 3:15 to go.

However, CSUEB went 7-for-7 from the free-throw line during the final 1:33 to secure its first victory of the 2020 calendar year.

The Pioneers out-rebounded the Seawolves 28-24, finished with 10 steals and shot a sizzling 16-of-17 overall from the line. Meanwhile, Sonoma State attempted only 10 free throws total as a team (7-of-10).

Cal State East Bay looks to keep its momentum going on the road next week, as the Pioneers play at Humboldt State on Thursday, Jan. 23, before facing Stanislaus State on Saturday, Jan. 25.