The California State University, East Bay men’s basketball team continues to flourish this season as they remain undefeated in California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) play.
On Saturday, Dec. 4, the Pioneers won their third conference game as they faced off against California State University, Los Angeles (5-3 overall, 2-1 CCAA).
The game was far from a breeze, as there were 15 separate ties and with several lead changes between the two teams. However, the Pioneers managed to pull through and come out on top with a victory.
Junior forward Ant Navarrete led CSUEB in points with 16 in 25 minutes and shot 4-for-7 from the field. He also added seven rebounds and one block. Senior point guard Juwan Anderson followed behind him with 14 points and four assists and senior guard Evan Wardlow added 14 points as well.
Senior forward Patrick Marr also grabbed eight rebounds for the Pioneers.
The Pioneers led 66-65 with 3:55 left remaining in the game. At that point, both teams were exchanging turnovers. The grit and defense between the two squads was impressive as they smothered and overwhelmed their opponents.
At 3:22, sophomore guard Nai Carlisle stole the ball from a Golden Eagles player and passed the ball to Wardlow. Wardlow then distributed into the paint to senior guard Deiondre Bird who converted an extra two points, extending the Pioneers’ lead to 68-65.
Each team went through a series of missed shots up until there was 1:27 left on the clock and CSULA laid the ball up off of a fast break to bring them within one.
The Pioneers were able to maintain their composure and Wardlow extended the Pioneers lead to 70-67 after he laid the ball up with a minute left in the game. About 20 seconds later, CSULA made a layup to put the game back within one.
CSUEB was only up one with 38 seconds left in the game. They ran out the clock for 20 seconds and Wardlow attempted a jumper, but missed — putting the ball back in CSULA’s possession with eight seconds left on the clock.
Fortunately, the Golden Eagles did not seize their last opportunity to win the game and the Pioneers secured the 70-69 win.
The Pioneers shot 51.1 percent from the field (12-for-19), but only shot 16.7 percent from the three point line. Better shooting from the three point line would have made the game a bit easier for the Pioneers, but regardless, they were still able to persevere in the end.
They now sit 7-1 overall and 3-0 in conference play, which puts them in second place in the CCAA conference rankings. The season looks very promising for the Pioneers as they continue to secure wins under their belt and execute very efficiently on the defensive end.
Their next game is away on Thursday, Dec. 6 at Sonoma State. Sonoma is also 3-0 in conference play and they sit right underneath the Pioneers in CCAA rankings. It will be another exciting game and another great test for the men as they continue throughout the season.