SAN JOSE, Calif. – The Cal State East Bay women's basketball team completed a remarkable comeback Wednesday evening, erasing a 21-point second-half deficit to defeat NCAA Division I opponent San Jose State 76-74 in overtime during an exhibition contest at the Provident Credit Union Event Center. The Pioneers outscored the Spartans 22-5 in the fourth quarter to force overtime before securing the two-point victory.
The two teams traded baskets throughout the opening quarter, with East Bay building an early eight-point advantage before San Jose State responded. Both teams finished the first period with 23 points, setting the stage for a competitive opening half.
San Jose State took control in the second quarter, holding the Pioneers to just four points while scoring 16 of its own. The Spartans carried a 39-27 advantage into halftime as East Bay looked to regain its offensive rhythm.
The deficit continued to grow in the third quarter, with San Jose State extending its lead to as many as 21 points. The Pioneers found some offensive success late in the period but entered the fourth trailing 60-43.
East Bay mounted its comeback in the fourth quarter, outscoring San Jose State 22-5 while holding the Spartans without a made field goal. The Pioneers put together a 20-0 scoring run during the contest and erased a 17-point deficit entering the final period, tying the game at 65-65 to force overtime.
The momentum carried into overtime, where East Bay scored 11 points to San Jose State's nine to complete the comeback and secure the 76-74 victory.
Aloha Akaka led the Pioneers offensively with a game-high 26 points, shooting 12-for-22 from the field. Lailah Carey followed with 12 points, four rebounds, four assists and three steals, while Gabby Wright recorded a double-double with 11 points and a game-high 13 rebounds. Wright also added three assists and five steals.
"So proud of our team effort tonight! We showed heart, grit, and toughness on the defensive end," said head coach Thigpin. "After going down early in the second quarter, our team responded with resilience and leadership, using our defense to fuel our energy. Proud of the way we fought, stayed together, and found a way to get the win!"
The exhibition victory highlighted East Bay's resilience on both ends of the floor, as the Pioneers overcame a 21-point deficit and held San Jose State without a made field goal in the fourth quarter. The performance provided an encouraging early showing for East Bay as it prepares for the start of the 2026-27 regular season.
