SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. — Behind a composed road performance and a late surge at the free throw line, the Cal State East Bay women's basketball team earned a 76-71 victory over Cal State San Bernardino on Saturday afternoon at Coussoulis Arena. The Pioneers weathered multiple momentum swings, built key runs in each half and closed out the game at the line to secure a crucial CCAA win.
The opening first quarter set the tone for a back-and-forth afternoon, as neither team found separation early. Cal State San Bernardino held a slight edge throughout much of the period, and the Coyotes carried a 14-12 lead into the second quarter after both teams traded baskets without a sustained run.
Cal State San Bernardino briefly extended its advantage to 17-12 early in the second quarter, but East Bay quickly responded. A free throw from Lucca Lowenberg jump-started an 11-3 run that swung the momentum, giving the Pioneers their first lead at 23-20. The Coyotes answered with an 8-2 spurt of their own to reclaim control, but East Bay saved its best stretch for the closing minutes of the half. Meredith Gilbertson scored a layup with 2:57 remaining, triggering an 11-0 run to end the half. The Pioneers turned defensive pressure into transition opportunities during the surge and carried a 36-28 advantage into halftime.
The second half opened with immediate resistance from the Coyotes. Cal State San Bernardino scored nine unanswered points to begin the third quarter, regaining a narrow 37-36 lead and forcing East Bay to regroup. The Pioneers answered with seven straight points of their own to reclaim control, settling back into rhythm on both ends of the floor. While the margin never grew large, East Bay consistently responded to Coyotes baskets and protected its lead through the remainder of the quarter, entering the final frame up 52-47.
The fourth quarter proved decisive and tense. Cal State San Bernardino chipped away with several small runs, cutting the margin to 66-63 with 3:39 remaining. East Bay stayed patient and relied on execution down the stretch. Krista Sheaffer played a pivotal role in the closing minutes, scoring seven points during a game-sealing run that pushed the lead back to double digits, 76-66, with 43 seconds left. Sheaffer attacked the basket and converted at the free-throw line as the Pioneers looked to ice the game.
The Coyotes made one final push, striking quickly with a 3-pointer from Princess Cassell just 10 seconds later. Cassell followed that shot with a steal that led to a layup by Arianna Harper, narrowing the margin to five. East Bay, however, remained composed, protected the ball and ran time off the clock to finish the afternoon with a five-point victory.
The win improves Cal State East Bay to 9-11 overall and 8-6 in CCAA play, and keeps the Pioneers alone in fifth place in the conference standings as the season enters a critical stretch.
Sheaffer delivered a career-high 18 points while leading the team with nine rebounds. She finished 4-for-7 from the field and was nearly perfect at the line, converting 10 of 11 free throws. Aloha Akaka also scored in double figures with 12 points, providing a steady offensive presence. Defensively, Gilbertson was active throughout the game and finished with five steals, helping ignite several of East Bay's key runs.
Cal State East Bay controlled the glass, outrebounding Cal State San Bernardino 49-38, a factor that helped offset shooting percentages. The Coyotes shot 37.9 percent from the field, while East Bay finished at 36.7 percent, but the Pioneers' ability to generate extra possessions and capitalize late proved decisive.
"It was a great team effort as our group rallied on the road to pick up this win," head coach Jenny Thigpin said. "We played through our mistakes, held off a couple of runs and made plays down the stretch. I'm proud of the girls as this was a great win as we are moving into an important part of the season."
Cal State East Bay returns home next week to host Cal State LA on Thursday, Feb. 5, with a 5:30 p.m. tipoff scheduled at Pioneer Gymnasium in Hayward. The Golden Eagles won the previous meeting 93-63 on Dec. 21, giving the Pioneers an opportunity for a home-court response as conference play continues.
