Homecoming night proved to be a tale of two teams for the Pioneers on Saturday.

The CSU East Bay women’s basketball team added to their current win streak as they cruised to their fifth straight victory, while the men’s team dropped the ball and lost their ninth in a row, as both teams faced the Cal State L.A. Golden Eagles.

The women’s team won their game 60-47 and consistently held a 20 point lead throughout much of the game, withstanding each Golden Eagle run on their way to the victory.

“We got on the boards, we didn’t get our heads down when they went on a run, and we had some people who had a really good night,” said Micah Walker, sophomore guard. “I think as a collective team, we did really well.”

Lauren Lucchesi, Brianna Terrance and Walker all scored in the double digits and played a vital role in the women’s game.

“Anytime you can have three people in double digits you are going to be in a really good position to the ballgame,” said Women’s Basketball Coach Suzy Barcomb. “We’ve shot well for three games in a row and they’ve developed some confidence.”

The men’s team, on the other hand, lost their game 54-35 and was never able to string together good offensive possessions playing against one of the best defensive teams in Division II, led by Jordan Richard, who is averaging four and a half blocks a game.

“[Richard] is the number one shot blocker in the nation,” said Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach Darren French. “They are long, they are athletic, and we’ve had some tough times.”

With each team heading in opposite directions, their outlook on the rest of the season is very different.

Barcomb believes its hard work and preparation that has fueled her team’s current streak.

“We have been watching a lot of film and trying to pick up some of the things that teams are doing against us,” said Barcomb. “I also think there is a certain maturation that’s happening with this team, I think there is a kinda perfect storm that has happened for us the last five games.”

Walker has her own thoughts on what has contributed to the team’s current winning streak.

“We’ve really been defending. We’ve been holding people to a lot less then what their averages are,” stated Walker. “So definitely credit our defense, our heart and how much we want the wins.”

Alternatively, the Pioneer men’s team has found themselves struggling to get out of a slump and French thinks several things have attributed to his team’s streak.

“When you are in slump like ours it starts with the little things,” said French. “It starts with defense, getting stops, and when you get stops, good things tend to happen. Frankly, we’re not shooting particularly well right now.”

Even though their losing streak was extended to nine straight games on Saturday, French sees the light at the end of the tunnel.

“The things we have to do to continue to get better is keep working hard, keep defending, keep trying to help each other get better and make sure we are being positive,” explained French. “We’ve got to stay together and we’ve got to fight. Its just a matter of making shots and getting stops.”

Gabe Kindred, a junior guard, feels a certain state of mind is most important in trying to get out of the nine game losing streak he and his teammates find themselves in.

“We need to stay positive, and know that every game we have a chance of winning and just make sure we have the right attitude as a team,” stated Kindred. “Its just a matter of time before we start clicking again.”

While each team is very different, they are both embarking on a four game road trip to Cal Poly Pomona, Humboldt State, UC San Diego and Cal State San Bernardino that is very important for both their seasons.

The women’s team circled this particular road trip and has been anticipating it all season as they think it is imperative to their season.

“When I looked at the schedule at the beginning of the season I said, ‘Wow this could make or break us right there,’” said Barcomb.

This road trip will end up being vital for Walker and the women’s basketball team to really achieve their goals.

“We definitely want to be one of the tops team in the CCAA going into playoffs,” said Walker. “Last year we were number seven going into playoffs so we definitely want to build on that, no setbacks and just keep building.”

As of now the women’s team finds themselves in a three-way tie with Cal State L.A. and Cal Poly Pomona for the fourth overall spot in the conference standings.

The men’s basketball team also understands the importance of the subsequent road trip and the hardships they will face.

“We need to make sure we play as a unit and play hard,” said Kindred. “On the road we aren’t going to get as many calls and a lot of stuff is going to be against us so we just need to make sure we play together and play hard.”

While each team is having very different seasons, they each are looking forward to this road trip as an opportunity for success.