HAYWARD, Calif. - The Cal State East Bay men's basketball team snapped a two-game losing streak with a hard-fought 70-66 win over Cal State Monterey Bay in CCAA action on Thursday evening at Pioneer Gymnasium.
 

The contest remained close from start to finish, with neither team able to build a substantial lead. The Pioneers edged ahead 24-21 after the first half, thanks to a strong defensive effort that held Cal State Monterey Bay to just 28.6% shooting from the field in the first half.

The second half saw both teams trading baskets, with the lead changing hands multiple times. East Bay's 3-point shooting came alive in the final 20 minutes, as they connected on 6-of-9 attempts from beyond the arc, compared to 0-for-7 in the first half.

A key moment for the Pioneers came late in the game when Campbell drained a clutch 3-pointer with 1:59 remaining to give East Bay a 66-63 lead. The team's composure in the final minutes, coupled with crucial free throws from DJ Sanders and Ramsey Huff, sealed the victory for the Pioneers.

• Tyree Campbell led the charge for East Bay with a team-high 17 points, shooting an efficient 6-for-10 from the floor, including three baskets from beyond the arc.
• Campbell also dished out five assists and recorded three steals, demonstrating his all-around impact on both ends of the court.
• The Pioneers' defense played a significant role in the win, forcing 17 turnovers and converting them into 20 points. Payden White and Campbell spearheaded the defensive effort with three steals each.
• On the glass, East Bay dominated with a 37-33 rebounding advantage. Beril Kabamba, Jason Ernest-Mpi, and Sanders led the effort with six rebounds each.

Cal State East Bay head coach Bryan Rooney praised his team's effort following the win:
"Gutty win tonight. Very proud of our team's efforts throughout the week. We had three intense practices and it was great to see our guys rewarded with this result."

Looking ahead, Coach Rooney emphasized the importance of maintaining focus:
"Our preparation will be extremely key with an excellent [Stanislaus State team] coming into town on Saturday."
 

Cal State East Bay: 5-8, 3-4 CCAA
Cal State Monterey Bay: 3-9, 0-7 CCAA
 

The Pioneers will aim to build on the momentum as they host Stanislaus State in their next CCAA matchup this coming Saturday, January 11. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at Pioneer Gymnasium in Hayward, California, marking the final game of the current homestand.