HAYWARD, Calif. - In overtime, the Cal State East Bay women's basketball team suffered a heartbreaking 80-77 loss to San Francisco State in CCAA game Sunday afternoon at Pioneer Gymnasium. The Pioneers dominated for three quarters, building a commanding 64-41 lead heading into the fourth. However, the Gators mounted an improbable comeback, outscoring East Bay 32-9 in the final period to force overtime at 73-73. In the extra session, San Francisco State completed its remarkable turnaround, edging out the Pioneers 7-4 to secure the victory.
 

Cal State East Bay started strong, doubling up the Gators 26-13 in the first quarter with all eight players who entered the game scoring at least one basket. The Pioneers extended their lead to 48-31 by halftime, with Ariyah Smith contributing 15 points and six assists in the first 20 minutes.

As the Pioneer took a 64-41 lead into the fourth quarter, the game took a dramatic turn as San Francisco State held East Bay to just nine points while erupting for 32 of their own. Sage Bridges-Bey's clutch free throws with three seconds left in regulation tied the game at 73-73, setting the stage for overtime.

In the extra period shortly after the jump, Brooke Donnelly briefly gave the Pioneers a 75-73 lead, but the Gators answered quickly. Smith's free throws put East Bay ahead 77-76 with 3:08 remaining, but San Francisco State scored the final four points to seal the win.

• Smith led all scorers with 19 points, adding eight rebounds and eight assists.
• Krista Sheaffer recorded a double-double in her second straight game with 13 points and 12 rebounds.
• Taylor Eldredge contributed eight points and 11 rebounds, along with three steals.
• Gwendilyn Aasland chipped in 10 points. 
• The Pioneers dominated the glass, outrebounding San Francisco State 60-32.
• However, the Gators shot more efficiently, finishing with a 45.2 field goal percentage compared to East Bay's 38.2 percent.
• East Bay and SF State went to overtime on both matchups this season with the teams splitting the two games. 

Cal State East Bay head coach Jenny Thigpin following Sunday's loss to SF State:
"This is a game that we have to look at ourselves in the mirror and take as another learning experience. We played good on both sides of the ball for three quarters but did not continue to do the things that helped us build the lead."
 

Cal State East Bay: 3-7, 1-3 CCAA
SF State: 3-6, 1-3 CCAA
 

The Pioneers will look to bounce back in their next game, a CCAA matchup against Cal State San Marcos. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 2, 2025, at Pioneer Gymnasium in Hayward, California.