LOS ANGELES - The Cal State East Bay men's basketball team showed its ability to come back from a notabable deficit, but ultimately fell to Cal State LA 87-81 in a CCAA contest on Saturday afternoon at University Gym. The Pioneers battled back from multiple double-digit deficits but couldn't overcome the Golden Eagles in a game that showcased the competitive nature of conference play.
 

The contest remained tight throughout the first half, with neither team able to build a substantial lead early on. Cal State LA led by as much as 12 points, but the Pioneers battled back to tie the game at 37-37 after a 3-pointer by Beril Kabamba at the 3:08 mark. However, the Golden Eagles finished the half on an 11-3 run to take a 48-40 lead into the break.

In the second half, Cal State LA extended its lead to as much as 15 points, but the Pioneers refused to go away quietly. East Bay mounted another comeback, pulling within two points at 81-79 with just 33 seconds remaining after a free throw by Tyree Campbell completed a three-point play. However, six clutch free throws by the Golden Eagles in the final moments, coupled with missed opportunities for the Pioneers, sealed the 87-81 victory for Cal State LA.

• Tyree Campbell led the charge for East Bay with a game-high 21 points, shooting an efficient 7-for-18 from the floor and 6-for-8 from the free-throw line. Campbell also secured his first double-double as a Pioneer, pulling down 11 rebounds while adding four steals and a team-high five assists.
• DJ Sanders provided a significant spark off the bench, contributing 20 points and seven rebounds in 25 minutes of play.
• Teiano Hardee added 11 points, rounding out the double-digit scorers for the Pioneers.
• The Pioneers showcased their tenacity on the boards, outrebounding Cal State LA 31-20.
• The Golden Eagles shot an impressive 62.2% from the field, which proved to be a key factor in their victory.

Cal State East Bay: 6-10, 4-6 CCAA
Cal State LA: 7-9, 5-5 CCAA
 

The Pioneers will look to bounce back as they return home for their next CCAA matchup. Cal State East Bay will host Cal Poly Pomona on Thursday, January 23, with tip-off scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at Pioneer Gymnasium in Hayward, California. Prior to the game, a special ceremony will be held to thank Pioneer Hall of Famer Rich Sherratt for his generous video board donation.