Cal State East Bay Wins Division II Men's Basketball Playoff Opener

Pioneers roll past Cal Poly-Humboldt to advance in NCAA Tournament

Mar. 14, 2026 at 5:41am

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Cal State East Bay's men's basketball team improved to 31-0 on the season by defeating Cal Poly-Humboldt 83-64 in the opening round of the NCAA Division II Tournament on Friday night in Hayward. The Pioneers, making their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 1988, led by just three points at halftime before pulling away in the second half.

Why it matters

Cal State East Bay's undefeated season and return to the Division II Tournament for the first time in over 30 years has generated significant excitement in the East Bay community. The Pioneers' dominant win over Cal Poly-Humboldt sets them up for a regional semifinal matchup against a familiar foe, Cal State Dominguez Hills, with a spot in the regional final on the line.

The details

Tyree Campbell led the Pioneers with 18 points, while Josh Ijeh scored 14 and Terence Haywood added 11. Cal State East Bay trailed 31-34 at halftime but outscored Cal Poly-Humboldt 49-33 in the second half to win comfortably. Former USF guard Drew Ardouin paced the Lumberjacks with 17 points in the losing effort.

  • The game was played on Friday, March 14, 2026 in Hayward, California.
  • Cal State East Bay will face Cal State Dominguez Hills in the regional semifinals on Saturday, March 15, 2026 at 7:30 PM.

The players

Tyree Campbell

A key player for Cal State East Bay, scoring a team-high 18 points in the win.

Josh Ijeh

Scored 14 points for the Pioneers in their first-round victory.

Terence Haywood

Added 11 points to the Cal State East Bay scoring effort.

Drew Ardouin

The former USF guard led Cal Poly-Humboldt with 17 points in the losing effort.

Cal State East Bay

The Pioneers' men's basketball team, making their first NCAA Division II Tournament appearance since 1988.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The winner of the Cal State East Bay vs. Cal State Dominguez Hills regional semifinal will advance to the regional final on Monday, March 17, 2026.

The takeaway

Cal State East Bay's undefeated season and return to the Division II Tournament for the first time in over 30 years has generated significant excitement in the East Bay community, and their dominant win over Cal Poly-Humboldt sets them up for a regional semifinal matchup against a familiar foe, Cal State Dominguez Hills, with a spot in the regional final on the line.