SEASIDE, Calif. –  Entering Thursday's action in the CCAA, the Cal State East Bay men's basketball team was in a sixth place tie in the conference standings, in a chase for a berth in the CCAA Tournament. With an 80-75 win over Cal State Monterey Bay, along with other favorable action for the Pioneers throughout the conference, Cal State East Bay sits alone in sixth place with one game remaining in the regular season
 

GAME SUMMARY

 
The Pioneers maintained a small lead for much of the first half. Then at the 4:23 mark, Kevin Ebiriekwe made a 3-pointer for a 31-20 lead. 

Although the Otters scored the next four points, Ramsey Huff's jumper at the 2:57 mark of the first half started a 10-0 run. CSUMB got a late basket, as the Pioneers led 41-26 at halftime. 

Tim Andreolli started the scoring in the second half with a 3-pointer, for an 18 point lead for CSUEB in the second half. 

The Otters slowly climbed back in the game, and were within four with 35 seconds remaining. But with free throws in the final minute, the Pioneers held on for an 80-75 win. 
 

NOTABLE STATS

 

• Leading the Pioneers in scoring was Andreolli with 16 points, going 5-for-6 from the floor and 2-for-2 from the free throw line. 
• Andreolli and Payden White each made four baskets from beyond the arc. 
• Grady Lewis had a team-high seven rebounds. Defensively, he had two blocks and a steal. 
• Ameere Britton scored 21 points to lead the Otters.
• Below is the action around the CCAA and how it impacted the Pioneers in the chase for a postseason berth:
  • The combination of CSUEB's win and losses by Chico State and Cal Poly Pomona on Thursday put the Pioneers solely in sixth place. 
  • Wins by SF State and Sonoma State clinched a spot for each in the CCAA Tournament. 
  • It is a win and in situation for the Pioneers on Saturday. 

RECORDS

 
Cal State East Bay: 12-15, 10-11 CCAA
Cal State Monterey Bay: 10-16, 8-13 CCAA
 

UP NEXT FOR CAL STATE EAST BAY

 
A CCAA Tournament berth is on the line Saturday for the Pioneers when they play on the road at San Francisco State to close out the regular season. Tipoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. from Main Gym at Don Nasser Family Plaza.