SAN BERNARDINO (Dec. 1, 2015) -- Aaron Cheatum led the Coyotes with 17 points and Zeke DeBlase added 11 in CSUSB's 81-70 loss to visiting Cal State East Bay in the CCAA men's basketball opener for both teams Tuesday night at Coussoulis Arena.

THe Coyotes (2-2, 0-1) are at Stanislaus State on Thursday night before heading into Finals Week next week.

The Pioneers led by double digits for more than 17 minutes in the second half and were led by Jack Pasquini and Ryan Okwudibonye, who scored 23 and 22 points, respectively. Offensively, CSUEB shot 56.9 percent from the field and out-rebounded the Coyotes 32-23.

The Coyotes largest lead of the night was three points early in the first half, but CSUEB struck with an 11-0 run  that Patrick Marr and Tre Mauldin started with consecutive three-pointers and eventually led 31-22 with 4:11 left.

After the break, the Pioneers grabbed control and led by as many as 13 when the Coyotes played their most inspired ball of the second half.

Down 50-37, the Coyotes scored six straight points with two free throws and a layup from Cheatum and a Keith Smith layup got CSUSB to within seven, 50-43 with 9:18 left.

But seven points was the closest CSUSB could cut into the Pioneers lead.

CSUEB hit 13 of 14 from the line in the second half, while the Coyotes were just 15 of 26 for the game.

Phil Reed, Desi Barmore and Shawn Joseph all scored nine for the Coyotes.