HAYWARD, Calif. – Heading into Thursday evening's showdown between Cal State East Bay men's basketball and No. 21 Cal State LA, both teams entered tipoff atop the CCAA standings. Although the Pioneers led by as much as 12 points in the second half, they were unable to fend off a comeback by the Golden Eagles and lost, 80-76.
 

GAME SUMMARY

Early in the game, the Pioneers jumped out to a lead as large as 13 points, including the 12:21 mark when Dimitrios Klonaras made a basket to give the Pioneers a 19-6 lead. CSULA climbed back in the first half, but Cal State East Bay led 40-37 at the break.
 
Less than two minutes into the second half, Daeshawn Eaton made a jumper which started a 9-0 run for a 51-39 lead at the 16:15 mark
 
However, Cal State LA climbed back into the game, tying the game at 61-61 when Dominic Escobar made a layup. Down the stretch, neither team led by more than five points, as the Golden Eagles ultimately finished with an 80-76 win.
 

NOTABLE STATS

• Grady Lewis led the Pioneers in scoring with 19 points, going a perfect 9-for-9 from the floor. He also made a free throw for his point total.
• Klonaras finished with a double double, scoring 12 points and collecting 11 rebounds.
• Defensively, Chris James had a block and a steal.
• For the Golden Eagles, A'Jahni Levias led all scorers with 23 points.
• The Pioneers shot 58.8 percent in field goals to CSULA's 47.4 percent.
• Cal State East Bay had a 29-28 rebounding edge.

RECORDS

Cal State East Bay: 10-4, 6-2 CCAA
No. 21 Cal State LA: 12-2, 7-1 CCAA
 

UP NEXT FOR CAL STATE EAST BAY

The Pioneers return to action this coming Saturday for the final game of their current homestand when they host Cal State Dominguez Hills. Tipoff from Pioneer Gymnasium is set for 7:30 p.m.