HONOLULU — Cal State East Bay battled back from a slow start but couldn't overcome an early deficit Wednesday evening, falling 62-55 to Hawai'i Pacific at the HPU Shark Tank.

The Sharks opened the game on a 12-1 run in the first quarter, holding the Pioneers without a field goal until Sierra Morris converted a second-chance layup at the 4:02 mark. East Bay trimmed the margin late in the period, closing to 16-10 after the first.

Hawai'i Pacific extended its lead in the second quarter, using a strong stretch to build a 15-point cushion at halftime, 32-17. The Pioneers (0-5) struggled to find rhythm offensively, while the Sharks controlled the glass and limited second-chance opportunities.

East Bay's deficit remained in double digits throughout the third quarter as HPU maintained control, leading 50-33 heading into the fourth. The Pioneers showed late fight, with Lucca Lowenberg knocking down a 3-pointer with eight seconds left to cut the margin to eight, but the rally came too late as the Sharks secured the win.

• Morris paced East Bay with a season-high 11 points on 5-for-10 shooting and added a free throw.
• Aloha Akaka also reached double figures with a season-best 10 points.
• Taylor Eldredge and Meredith Gilbertson anchored the boards with 10 rebounds apiece,
• Defensively, Eldredge and Lowenberg each tallied three steals.
• The Pioneers shot 30.2 percent from the field compared to 30.4 percent for HPU.
• The Sharks held a 63-55 edge on the glass.

"After a slow start we fought our way back and played a great second quarter where we competed," Cal State East Bay head coach Jenny Thigpin said. "We had our chances to make some key plays to change parts of the game but we fell short. We competed but will look to play better in our next game."

Cal State East Bay's next game is part of a Hawaii road trip Saturday, taking on Chaminade at McCabe Gym in Honolulu. Tipoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. HST (4 p.m. Pacific).