HAYWARD, Calif. — The Cal State East Bay men's basketball team returns to action at home this weekend, as the Pioneers play host to rival Cal State Monterey Bay in a "Battle of the Bays" matchup on Saturday, Jan. 11, beginning at 3 p.m.

The contest at Pioneer Gym will be streamed live here, and live stats will be available.

Although Cal State Monterey Bay (4-11, 1-8 CCAA) currently stands in last place in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) standings, CSUEB head coach Bryan Rooney had plenty of compliments for third-year head coach Isaac Williams and the Otters' program.

"Coach Williams is one of the better offensive minds in the west," said Rooney. "They do a phenomenal job of putting pressure on defense, and I have a great deal of respect for them as program."

Cal State East Bay (9-6, 5-4 CCAA) is coming off consecutive road losses against Cal State San Marcos and No. 6-ranked UC San Diego last week to begin the new year, but Rooney believes the Pioneers returned home with the right mindset.

Much of Rooney's optimism stems from the team playing well for stretches against UC San Diego, as CSUEB led at halftime on the road against the top-10 ranked Tritons.

The Pioneers are also well aware this year's CCAA Tournament will be held on the campus of UCSD in early March.

"It's well known that the CCAA Tournament goes through (UC San Diego)," said Rooney. "It's one of the things we talked about; putting ourselves in position to play there again in a couple months. 

"We've got to make sure we focus on the day right in front of us. If we take that mindset into the rest of the season, I like our chances." 
 
PIONEER POINTS

• Cal State East Bay has won six-straight games against Cal State Monterey Bay 
• The Pioneers are 11-7 all-time against the Otters
• Cal State East Bay ranks fourth in the CCAA in points allowed (67.7) as well as field goal percentage defense (.427)
• CSUEB is second in the conference in 3-point field goal percentage defense (.316), third turnover margin (3.40) and fourth in steals per game (8.4)
• Junior forward Zafir Williams leads the CCAA in scoring and is second in rebounding, averaging 19.7 points and 8.6 rebounds per contest
• Junior forward Ant Navarrete posted a double-double with 20 points and 11 rebounds against Cal State San Marcos on Jan. 2, and ranks sixth in the conference with 6.9 rebounds per contest
• Junior guard Nai Carlisle matched a season high with 20 points against UC San Diego on Jan. 4, and ranks second on the team with 12.3 points per game