HAYWARD, Calif. - The Cal State East Bay men's basketball team faced a tough challenge against Cal State San Bernardinoin a CCAA matchup on Saturday afternoon inside Pioneer Gymnasium. Despite a outscoring CSUSB in the second half, the Pioneers ultimately fell to the Coyotes, 84-72.
The Coyotes wasted no time asserting their dominance, sprinting out to a commanding 15-2 lead in the opening minutes. Their hot start set the tone for a first half that saw CSUSB build a lead as large as 20 points. By the intermission, the visitors held a 45-32 advantage.
A layup from Teiano Hardee at the 18:24 mark brought East Bay within single digits, igniting hope for a comeback. However, CSUSB responded by stretching their lead to as much as 23 points.
The Pioneers refused to go quietly, mounting a late charge that brought them within striking distance. Payden White's clutch 3-pointer in the final minute cut the deficit to just eight points at 80-72. But the Coyotes sealed the victory by sinking four free throws in the closing seconds, securing the 84-72 win.
- Ramsey Huff led the Pioneers' offensive charge with 17 points on an efficient 7-for-11 shooting from the floor.
- Tyree Campbell contributed 14 points and a team-high six rebounds.
- DJ Sanders added 13 points along with two steals and a block.
- Jordan Espinoza chipped in 12 points and three steals.
- Payden White rounded out the double-digit scorers with 10 points, including the late 3-pointer that kept East Bay's hopes alive.
- East Bay shot 46.2 percent from the floor compared to CSUSB's 52.1 percent.
- The Coyotes held a 37-26 edge on the glass.
Cal State East Bay: 7-11, 5-7 CCAA
CSUSB: 15-6, 8-4 CCAA
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UP NEXT FOR CAL STATE EAST BAY |
The Pioneers will look to bounce back as they hit the road for their next CCAA contest. East Bay travels to Turlock, California, to face Stanislaus State on Thursday, January 30. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at Ed & Bertha Fitzpatrick Arena. The Pioneers will aim to replicate their success from their previous meeting with the Warriors, which resulted in an 82-67 victory in Hayward on January 11.
