HAYWARD, Calif. - The Cal State East Bay women's basketball team secured a hard-fought 62-49 victory over Alaska Fairbanks in a non-conference game Tuesday evening at Pioneer Gymnasium, snapping a two-game losing streak.
 

GAME SUMMARY

After falling behind 14-12 in the first quarter, Cal State East Bay found its rhythm in the second period. A layup by Taylor Eldredge sparked an 8-0 run to start the quarter, giving the Pioneers a 20-14 lead. Although Alaska kept pace, East Bay maintained a slim 29-26 advantage at halftime.

The third quarter saw both teams struggle offensively, with the Pioneers holding onto a 40-35 lead heading into the final frame. Alaska Fairbanks mounted a comeback, narrowing the gap to just one point with 3:06 remaining. However, Eldredge's clutch layup that followed ignited a decisive 12-0 run for Cal State East Bay, featuring two baskets and seven made free throws, coupled with eight defensive stops during the final stretch to seal the victory.

NOTABLE STATS

• Eldredge led all scorers with 17 points on 7-of-10 shooting, while also contributing six steals and a block. With her six steals, she has 24 on the season, which is second most in the CCAA through Tuesday's action. 
• Krista Sheaffer recorded a double-double with 12 points and a season-high 13 rebounds, along with three blocks and two steals.
• Gwendilyn Aasland also notched a double-double, tallying 10 points and 11 rebounds.
• Brooke Donnelly added 12 points, including a crucial three-pointer during the 12-0 run by East Bay to close out the game.
• The Pioneers' defensive effort was particularly impressive, holding Alaska to just 27.3 percent shooting from the field.
• Cal State East Bay shot 37.5 percent for the game and outscored the Nanooks 34-26 in the paint.
• Despite committing 29 turnovers, the Pioneers showcased their resilience and ability to overcome adversity. Their dominance on the boards proved crucial, as they outrebounded the Nanooks 56-33.

POSTGAME QUOTE

Cal State East Bay head coach Jenny Thigpin following Tuesday's win
"It felt good to pick up a home win especially in a close game where we were able to make plays down the stretch. We played solid defense throughout the game but got key stops down when it mattered and it was a great team victory."
 

RECORDS

Cal State East Bay: 3-6
Alaska Fairbanks: 5-5
 

UP NEXT FOR CAL STATE EAST BAY

Cal State East Bay will look to build on this momentum as they prepare for their final game of 2024, a CCAA matchup against San Francisco State. The contest is scheduled for Sunday, December 22, with tipoff set for 1 p.m. at Pioneer Gymnasium in Hayward, California. The Pioneers will aim to replicate their earlier success against the Gators, whom they defeated 75-71 in overtime on November 30 to open CCAA play.