HAYWARD, Calif. – After a conference-opening win last Saturday, the Cal State East Bay men's basketball team returned to CCAA action with a home game at Pioneer Gymnasium. In overtime, the Pioneers fell 67-61 to Sonoma State.
 

GAME SUMMARY

 
The first half saw Cal State East Bay build a lead to as large as eight points, including two occasions. At the 5:30 mark, Chris James made a 3-pointer to give CSUEB a 26-18 lead. Even though the Seawolves got two points back, Tim Andreolli answered with a layup at the 3:37 mark. By the end of the first half, the Pioneers led 32-26.
 
Less than two minutes into the second half, Cal State East Bay's lead grew to 11, 37-26 on a 3-pointer from Dimitrios Klonaras. However, SSU climbed back into the game and took a lead with 7:00 left in the half, 45-44 on a jumper by Austin Fadal.
 
The Pioneers answered with seven straight points, with a run capped off by a 3-pointer from Garrett Pascoe with 4:38 remaining in regulation as CSUEB led 52-45. However, the Seawolves finished regulation on a 7-0 run to force overtime with both teams even at 52-52 through 40 minutes of play.
 
After baskets were traded to start overtime, the Seawolves scored the next seven points, and didn't look back as they finished with a 67-61 win.
 

NOTABLE STATS

 

• For the third straight game, Grady Lewis was the leading scorer for the Pioneers with a season-high 27 points. 
• James and Lewis each had seven rebounds on Thursday.
• Defensively, Klonaras had two blocks and two steals.
• The Pioneers went 25-for-62 from the floor and 6-for-10 from the free throw line.

 

POSTGAME QUOTE

 
Cal State East Bay head coach Bryan Rooney spoke after Thursday's game and looks forward to Saturday.
 
"Congratulations to Sonoma State on a well earned victory. We have no time to feel sorry for ourselves as we play an extremely talented Humboldt team on Saturday."
 

RECORDS

 
Cal State East Bay: 3-5, 1-1 CCAA
Sonoma State: 2-6, 1-1 CCAA
 

UP NEXT FOR CAL STATE EAST BAY

 
The Pioneers return to action on Saturday afternoon when they host Cal Poly Humboldt in a CCAA matchup. Tipoff is set for 3 p.m. from Pioneer Gymnasium. Guests who bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate can receive free admission. Donations go to the toy drive sponsored by Hayward Fire Department.