SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. - The California State University San Bernardino men's basketball team pushed unbeaten Cal State East Bay to the final possession but came up just short in an 82–79 loss Saturday afternoon at Coussoulis Arena.
With the defeat, the Coyotes move to 10–11 overall and 7–7 in CCAA play, while East Bay remains unbeaten at 20–0.
CSUSB came out with energy on both ends of the floor in the opening half, building an early cushion behind strong perimeter shooting. Freshman
Xavier Clinton (Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.) knocked down three first-half three-pointers and finished the period with nine points, while sophomore
Aidan Fowler (San Clemente, Calif.) added 11 first-half points, including a pair of triples during a 9–0 run that gave the Coyotes a 10-point lead midway through the half. CSUSB shot 51.9 percent from the field in the opening period and took a 41–36 advantage into halftime.
The Coyotes continued to battle after the break as East Bay responded with an efficient second half. Clinton stayed hot, scoring 12 points in the second half, including a three-pointer with 4:50 remaining that cut the deficit to two. Freshman
Zion Paleo (Diamond Bar, Calif.) provided a spark offensively, scoring 14 points after halftime and repeatedly attacking the rim to keep CSUSB within striking distance.
CSUSB closed the gap to one in the final minute when Paleo drilled a three-pointer with four seconds remaining, but East Bay was able to seal the game at the free-throw line to secure the 82–79 decision.
Clinton led all Coyotes with 21 points, shooting 5-of-9 from three-point range. Fowler finished with 18 points, while Paleo added 19 points and seven rebounds. CSUSB outrebounded East Bay 42–31 and held a 18–13 edge in second-chance points, but the Pioneers' second-half shooting proved to be the difference.
The Coyotes will continue CCAA play in their next outing, heading to Cal State Monterey Bay on Thursday for a 7:30 p.m. tip-off against the Otters.
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