FRESNO, Calif. —  The Cal State East Bay men's basketball team led in the second half, but couldn't hold on in its season opener on the road Friday night against Fresno Pacific, 83-72.

Junior guard Zack Perlstein scored a career-high 21 points on 7-of-10 shooting from the field, including 4-of-6 3-pointers. Senior forward Zafir Williams finished with 10 points and 11 rebounds, while junior forward Tim Andreolli had 12 points.

The Pioneers led 50-45 when Kaito Williams made a three with 16:48 remaining in the game, but a Fresno Pacific run in the second half put the home team in control. 

CSUEB continues play at this weekend's FPU Crossover Classic against No. 24-ranked Point Loma on Saturday beginning at 6 p.m.