HAYWARD, Calif. - Adam Klie and Hunter Walker combined for 32 points as UC San Diego defeated Cal State East Bay, 76-65, Saturday in California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) men's basketball action at Pioneer Gym.
UCSD hit 52 percent (25-48) of its shots, a season-high. CSUEB made just 37 percent (22-60) overall and struggled mightily in the second half, making just eight of 25 shots, 32 percent.
"This was a very good conference road win," said UCSD head coach Eric Olen. "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."
Klie and Walker each netted a game-high 16 points with Klie hitting six of his seven shot attempts. Jeff Van Dyke contributed 12 points and Drew Dyer finished with 10.
The Pioneers were led by Juawnn Springfield's 14 points. Jarred Jourdan had 13 points and Jack Pasquini led all players with 10 rebounds.
The Tritons led by just a point, 37-36, at the half. However, they steadily increased the margin in the second half. With 3:55 left in the game, George Buaku hit a pair of free throws to give UCSD a 17-point lead, its largest of the night, at 71-54.
"We found a way to get some stops in the second half and finish the game," said Olen.
East Bay led the rebounding battle, 37-30.
UCSD is now 4-2 overall and 2-1 in the CCAA. CSUEB is 2-5 and 0-2.
UC San Diego plays its final non-conference game of the regular season on Dec. 12 as it travels to California Baptist for a 7 p.m. contest. Following that, the Tritons will finally make their home debut on Dec. 21 when they host Cal Poly Pomona at 4 p.m.
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