Cal State East Bay men's basketball advances in postseason, keeps undefeated season alive

HAYWARD, Calif. (KGO) -- With minutes to go, Cal State East Bay's men's basketball team went on an 18-2 run to come from behind with a win over Cal State Dominguez Hills in the NCAA Division II Western Region semifinals.

The season is still alive, and the Pioneers are still undefeated (32-0) - and hosting in Hayward for the first time in 38 years.

"I can't put it into words. I am thankful to God and my teammates. They trust me. We trust each other," point guard Amare Campbell said after the win.

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With four minutes to go, Campbell was clutch as the crowd cheered "Defense! Defense!"

The Pioneers trailed most of the game but closed it out with a 76-67 win. Campbell says he was never in doubt.

"Not at all. I trust my craft. I trust what God has in store for me," he said.

The Pioneers ran the table during the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) season, becoming the first team in conference history to go 22-0 in league play. The Pioneers' Head Coach, Bryan Rooney, was named CCAA Coach of the Year. Tyree Campbell was named CCAA Player of the Year. Josh Ijeh won Defensive Player of the Year.

"I have been here for four years. And these seniors, I am happy for them. We were all freshmen together. It wasn't like this freshman year," student Real Kamani said, pointing to the large crowd.

When asked what he thought about the undefeated season, 11-year-old Jace Sabile said: "That's pretty cool! Yeah, it's crazy.... It's amazing."

In the crowd was Cal State East Bay alum Michael Booker. He says the East Bay now has a winning team.

"They are here in the City of Hayward. They are representing the East Bay. It is magnificent. Because people want to be able to get together and have a winner," Booker said.

"We see a basketball game, but Cal State East Bay is an incredible university. We are in a great place in Hayward. There are a lot of people who are doing exciting things here. And I am just excited that people are starting to see it," Assistant Athletic Director Allison Kern said.

The team will now play #3 seed Point Loma in the NCAA Division 2 Round of Sweet 16 at home on Monday at 7:00PM.