SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. - The Cal State East Bay women's basketball team battled hard with a comeback push, but ultimately fell short against Cal State San Bernardino, losing 78-67 in CCAA action on Thursday evening at Coussoulis Arena.
 

The Pioneers struggled out of the gate, managing just five points in the opening quarter as the Coyotes built a 19-5 lead. However, East Bay battled back in the second quarter, outscoring CSUSB, 28-16 to close the gap to just two points at halftime as Joia Armstrong's layup in the final minute bringing them within two points at 35-33.

Cal State East Bay finally tied the game at 39-39 early in the third quarter on a 3-pointer by Kelsey Valencia. But after the game was tied, CSUSB regained control in the third, taking a 54-49 lead into the final frame.

The Coyotes maintained their lead throughout the fourth quarter, as the Pioneers were unable to put together any significant run, as Cal State San Bernardino secured the 78-67 victory.
 

• Gwendilyn Aasland led the Pioneers with a season-high 20 points and 12 rebounds, recording her second double-double of the season. She shot an efficient 9-for-13 from the floor.
• Kelsey Valencia contributed 16 points, including four 3-pointers.
• Taylor Eldredge added 12 points and three steals.
• Defensively, Armstrong and Aunika Hornung each recorded two blocks.
• The Pioneers shot 35.5 percent from the floor to CSUSB's 39.5 percent.
• East Bay had a 52-49 rebounding edge. 

Cal State East Bay head coach Jenny Thigpin commented on the team's performance:
"After a slow start, we fought our way back and played a great second quarter where we competed. We had our chances to make some key plays to change parts of the game, but we fell short. We competed but will look to take our next game."

Cal State East Bay: 9-16, 7-12 CCAA
CSUSB: 13-11, 12-7 CCAA

The Pioneers remain mathematically alive for a spot in the CCAA Tournament, but it would require wins in their final three games of the regular season along with help elsewhere in CCAA action.
 

Cal State East Bay will face another tough challenge as they travel to take on No. 20 Cal Poly Pomona in their final road game of the regular season. The CCAA matchup is scheduled for Saturday, February 22, with tipoff set for 1 p.m. at Kellogg Arena in Pomona, California. In their previous meeting on January 23, the Pioneers fell to the Broncos 81-58 in Hayward. East Bay will look to reverse that outcome and keep their postseason hopes alive as they enter the crucial final stretch of the regular season.