Men’s basketball lose two games at home

The Cal State East Bay men’s basketball team lost back to back California Collegiate Athletic Association home games on Friday and Saturday at Pioneer Gymnasium.

The Pioneers (2-5 overall, 0-2 conference) were blown out in their first CCAA game this season against the visiting Cal Poly Pomona Broncos (5-2, 2-1) by a final of 83-52.

Pioneer turnovers were a huge reason for the losses and CPP capitalized on 25 of them, scoring 27 points on CSUEB turnovers.

CSUEB played the Broncos tight in the first half. After senior guard Cody Kale’s free throw, the Pioneers were within striking distance, trailing by just four points with 12:28 to play in the half. CPP then closed out the half on an intense 30-10 run, making the score 45-21 at halftime.

“They were the better team for 40 minutes and played with a great sense of urgency,” CSUEB Head Coach Gus Argenal said. “We have a lot of improving to do.”
Junior forward Jordan Faison scored a game-high 19 points in just 20 minutes of playing time for the Broncos. Senior guard Terrence Drisdom was also huge in the triumph for CPP recording 11 points, four assists, and three rebounds in the winning effort.

The Broncos were fueled by some great bench play by substitutes Quentin Taylor and Rhon Mitchell, who combined for 24 points and seven rebounds in limited playing time. Oakland native and McClymonds High School graduate Barry Bell amassed eight points, two assists, two rebounds, and two steals in just 22 minutes on the floor for CPP.

“I am really proud of the effort our guys gave tonight,” Broncos Head Coach Greg Kamansky said. “Road trips can be tough, but the effort was great.”
Junior guard from Fremont Juawnn Springfield led the way for the Pioneers, nabbing 13 points in 23 minutes. Senior guard Nick Grieves also helped keep CSUEB in the game by gathering 11 points, four rebounds, and two assists in the loss.

Following the blowout loss on Friday, the Pioneers had to regroup quickly with the UC San Diego Tritons (4-2, 2-1) coming to town on Saturday. CSUEB played the Tritons tough all game, trailing by just one point at halftime 37-36.

However, it wasn’t enough as the Pioneers fell 76-65 getting outscored 39-29 in the second half for their third loss in a row.

“We found a way to get some stops in the second half and finish the game,” UCSD Head Coach Eric Olen said.

“We did a nice job of taking what was given to us offensively. They made an effort to defend the three-point line and we attacked the basket.”

The Pioneers were able to win the battle in the paint, out rebounding UCSD 37-30, but they allowed the Tritons to shoot a gaudy 52 percent from the field and 42 percent from behind the three-point arc.

Junior guard Hunter Walker and sophomore guard Adam Klie took advantage of the CSUEB defense combining to shoot 11 for 17 from the field totaling 32 points combined.

“When we defend, rebound, and get it and go we are a very good team,” senior guard Jacari Whitfield said. “If we focus on the defensive end I feel like we can play with anybody.”

Whitfield amassed eight points and five assists in 28 minutes on the floor for CSUEB.

Springfield again was the leading scorer for the Pioneers collecting 14 points and five rebounds in 31 minutes on the floor. Senior forward Jarred Jourdan added 13 points in the losing effort for CSUEB.

Next up for the Pioneers is another CCAA home game against the Cal State Monterey Bay Otters (4-3, 1-1).
Tip off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Saturday at Pioneer Gymnasium on the Hayward campus.