HAYWARD, Calif. - In a hard-fought CCAA contest, the Cal State East Bay men's basketball team (10-14, 8-10 CCAA) narrowly fell to the visiting Chico State Wildcats (19-5, 15-3 CCAA) 75-72 on Saturday evening at Pioneer Gymnasium.
|
|
GAME SUMMARY |
The game was a back-and-forth affair from the opening tip, with neither team able to establish a commanding lead throughout the first half. The score was knotted at 39-39 late in the opening period before Chico State's Trae Taylor tipped in a basket at the buzzer, giving the Wildcats a slim 41-39 advantage heading into the break.
Chico State managed to gain more control in the second half, at one point extending their lead to 10 points. However, the resilient Pioneers battled back, tying the game at 69-69 with 2:47 remaining on a clutch tip-in by Teiano Hardee.
The Wildcats' JoJo Murphy responded with a go-ahead basket on the ensuing possession. Despite the Pioneers' defensive efforts forcing turnovers in the closing minutes, a combination of missed shots and turnovers proved costly for East Bay. A missed three-pointer in the final seconds, followed by a pair of free throws from Chico State's Caden Harris, sealed the 75-72 victory for the visitors.
|
|
NOTABLE STATS |
- Beril Kabamba led all East Bay scorers with 19 points, shooting 6-for-18 from the floor, including a 4-for-8 performance from beyond the arc. Kabamba also paced the team with nine rebounds and contributed four steals and a block on the defensive end.
- Ramsey Huff and DJ Sanders each added 14 points to the Pioneer cause.
- The Pioneers showed tenacity on the boards, narrowly outrebounding Chico State 38-37.
- Chico State had a 47.6 percent % field goal percentage, compared to East Bay's 42.9%, proved to be a decisive factor in the outcome.
|
|
RECORDS |
Cal State East Bay: 10-14, 8-10 CCAA
Chico State: 19-5, 15-3 CCAA
|
|
UP NEXT FOR CAL STATE EAST BAY |
Cal State East Bay will look to regroup as they prepare for their next CCAA matchup. The Pioneers will hit the road to face Cal State San Bernardino on Thursday, February 20, with tipoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at Coussoulis Arena in San Bernardino, California. The Pioneers will be seeking redemption after falling to the Coyotes 84-72 in their previous encounter on January 25 in Hayward.
Latest Men's Basketball
- Pioneer Men's Basketball to Host Tip Off Dinner on October 25On October 25, Cal State East Bay men's basketball is proud to host its Tip Off Dinner as the 2025-26 season approaches.
- Dr. Summer Jackson Named FARA's 2025 Division II Newcomer of the YearCOLUMBIA, Mo. - The Faculty Athletics Representatives Association (FARA) has announced that Cal State East Bay's Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR), Dr. Summer Jackson, has been named Division II Newcomer of the Year by the FARA Honors and Awards Committee.
- Pioneer Spotlight: Jacob Hugger – Voice of the PioneersThe 2025-26 athletic year is quickly approaching for Cal State East Bay, and with it comes 14 Pioneer teams in action with the first contest taking place on Thursday, September 4.
- Pioneer Teams and Student-Athletes Collect a Variety of Academic Awards in 2024-25In 2024-25, the academic year once again was outstanding for many Cal State East Bay student-athletes and teams.
- Cal State East Bay Finishes 4th in 2024-25 Hiegert Cup StandingsALISO VIEJO, Calif. - With the 2024-25 athletic year complete in NCAA Division II, the CCAA announced its final standings for the year for the Robert J. Hiegert Commissioner's Cup. Since joining the CCAA, Cal State East Bay had its highest finish in department history, placing fourth among the 12 CCAA member institutions.
- Pioneer Spotlight: Dr. Summer JacksonWhen Dr. Summer Jackson stepped into the role of Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR) at Cal State East Bay in 2023, it was more than a professional milestone—it was a full-circle moment. A former Division I swimmer at the University of Arkansas and a proud inductee into the Sequim (Washington) Hall of Fame's inaugural class for her swimming accomplishments, Dr. Jackson brought with her not only an impressive academic background but a deeply personal connection to the student-athlete journey.
