CARSON – Andre Ball scored 21 points to match his career-best with the Cal State Dominguez Hills men's basketball program, but Cal State East Bay edged the Toros 75-71 to open CCAA play Saturday evening at the Torodome.
 
Down by two with 2.5 seconds left in the game, Cameron Barry made the first free throw of two to make it a two-point score. He missed the second one but the Toros couldn't get the rebound as it deflected out of bounds mid-court to award the Pioneers the possession.
 
In addition to Ball's 21 points, Cameron Barry had 16, Jordan Hilstock had a dozen and was a rebound short from a double-double.
 
The Toros (2-3, 0-1 CCAA) ended the night shooting just 48 percent from the field. They even went 15-for-28 in the first half.
 
Free throws and offensive rebounds benefitted the Pioneers (3-4, 1-0 CCAA). East Bay went 21-for-31 at the line while going to the glass 34 times, including 14 times offensively. The Pioneers scored 17 points on a second chance.
 
Neither side had led by more than 10 points. Dominguez Hills had its largest lead in the game with 14:42 left in the second half, when a jumper by Hilstock put the Toros ahead 50-40.
 
East Bay took the lead with an old-fashion 3-point play with less than three minutes left. Dominguez Hills kept it to within five points or less. Hilstock and Barry made free throws to get to within two points with 2.5 seconds left, setting up for the final play of the game.
 
The Toros remain home next week, starting with Cal Poly Humboldt Thursday at 7:30 p.m.