CHICO, Calif. — On a championship‑sealing Saturday afternoon at Art Acker Gym, No. 2 Cal State East Bay completed a historic milestone, defeating Chico State 76-50 to clinch the 2025-26 CCAA regular season title for the first time. The Pioneers (24-0) stretched their remarkable win streak to 24 games, remained undefeated in conference play at 18-0, and matched the program's single‑season record for total victories.
East Bay also snapped a nearly three‑decade drought in Chico, earning its first road win over the Wildcats since January 1996.
The Pioneers controlled the opening stretches of the first half, building a lead that reached double digits by the 7:43 mark when Jaayden Bush knocked down a free throw for a 25-15 advantage. Chico State responded with a steady push, chipping away until tying the game at 30-30 with 1:20 left before halftime. Out of a timeout, East Bay steadied itself, and Terence Haywood buried a jumper inside the final minute to send the Pioneers into the break ahead 32-30.
Just 36 seconds into the second half, the Wildcats drew even again at 32-32 on a layup from Isaiah Brewington. The teams traded blows early in the period—a tip‑in from Jalen Foy restored the lead for East Bay before a 3‑pointer by Chico State's Max Walters briefly swung the advantage back to the hosts. Moments later, Bush got a steal and converted a transition layup, a momentum‑lifting play that pushed East Bay back in front.
Leading 41-39, the Pioneers seized complete control. Bush powered through contact for a three‑point play, igniting a decisive 14-2 burst that ballooned the margin to 55-41. From there, East Bay dominated the final stretch, overwhelming Chico State on both ends and closing out a resounding second‑half performance befitting a championship afternoon.
Ramsey Huff led the Pioneers with 16 points on 6-for-10 shooting, including three makes from beyond the arc. Bush added 14 points while going 3-for-5 from long range, and Foy chipped in 11. Joshua Ijeh and Foy shared team honors on the glass with four rebounds apiece.
Defensively, Payden White grabbed three steals and Ijeh added three blocks, extending his CCAA‑leading total to 39 on the year. East Bay edged Chico State 28-27 on the boards and shot 51.8 percent from the field while holding the Wildcats to 37.3 percent.
"Our guys continue to inspire with their togetherness," said head coach Bryan Rooney. "The second half was all about playing for each other on both ends and the team delivered. The postgame locker room was very special and our guys absolutely earned it."
Up next, the Pioneers travel to Seaside to face Cal State Monterey Bay on Thursday, February 19 at The Kelp Bed. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m. East Bay won the first meeting this season against the Otters, 92-71 on January 24.
