East Bay Puts Up Good Effort in Defeat to Humboldt State
- December 30, 2010
HAYWARD, Calif. - The Pioneer men's basketball team put up a good effort in a 91-69 defeat against Humboldt State on December 30.
With the loss, the Pioneers are 0-5 in CCAA play and 2-7 overall. Humboldt State is 4-1 in the CCAA and 8-1 for the season.
As a team, the Pioneers shot 52.1 percent from the field including 55 percent in the first half. The Pioneers went 14-of-18 from the free throw line and sent the Jacks to the line 39 times, where they knocked down 32 shots.
"The game was a lot closer than the scoreboard indicated," Pioneer Head Coach Will Biggs said. "I was pleased with the way we played. The 26 turnovers really killed us."
East Bay was led in scoring by senior Will Freedman with 16 points on 5-of-7 from the field and 5-of-6 from the free-throw line. George Toyama came off the bench to hit three three-pointers and end with 11 points. Mark Samuels also scored 11 points and added three assists. Jacob Straley added nine points on 4-of-5 shooting from the field in 14 minutes of action.
"I felt that George Toyama, Jacob Straley and Brandon Hrboka gave us a big boost off the bench," Biggs said.
Humboldt State had a balanced scoring attack with five players in double figures. Brian Morris led all scorers with 23 points and completed a double-double with 12 rebounds. Ernie Spada contributed to the Lumberjack's victory with 16 points off the bench.
The Jacks jumped out to a 10-2 lead and held a 31-18 advantage with 9:30 remaining in the first half. East Bay went on an 18-9 run to trail 40-36 at halftime.
A three-pointer by Freedman gave the Pioneers a 41-40 lead with 19:14 remaining in the game. The contest remained close with Humboldt State clinging to a 50-47 advantage with 15:57 left.
Toyama's three-pointer with 12:06 left narrowed Humboldt's advantage to 57-56. The Lumberjacks broke the game open with an 18-7 run to hold a 75-63 lead at the 6:19 mark.
"Humboldt State is certainly the most talented team we have played this season," Biggs said. "The Lumberjacks are very athletic and well coached."
Despite the defeat, Coach Biggs is encouraged by the progress his team is making on the court.
"I'm definitely seeing growth on our team," Biggs said. "We'll play better as the season progresses."
The Pioneers will host UC San Diego on Jan. 3 at 7:30 p.m.