Undefeated Cal State East Bay Puts Hayward Back on NCAA Tournament Map

One of the most dramatic turnarounds in college sports now owns the national spotlight.

Last year, Cal State East Bay’s men’s basketball team finished 11–17. Today, the Pioneers stand as the only undefeated team remaining in NCAA Division II at 30–0.

That remarkable rise brings the postseason home to Hayward. For the first time in 38 years, the Pioneers will host the NCAA Division II West Regionals March 13-16, welcoming eight teams from across the West Coast and Pacific Northwest for three days of high-stakes competition. Games begin Friday, with the champion advancing to the NCAA Division II Elite Eight.

The Pioneers secured their place by winning the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Tournament for the first time in program history — defeating Cal Poly Humboldt 80–63 in the championship game. Under CCAA Coach of the Year Bryan Rooney, East Bay has climbed to No. 2 in the national rankings — completing a transformation few could have predicted a year ago.

Now, with the stakes higher, the lights brighter and perfection intact, the Pioneers turn to their next chapter. Their rise — proof that in sports — and sometimes in life — transformation can happen faster than anyone expects.

Click here for tickets.

• 12:00 p.m. | No. 3 Point Loma vs. No. 6 Northwest Nazarene
• 2:30 p.m. | No. 2 Saint Martin’s vs. No. 7 Hawaii Pacific
• 5:00 p.m. | No. 4 Alaska Anchorage vs. No. 5 Cal State Dominguez Hills
• 7:30 p.m. | No. 1 Cal State East Bay vs. No. 8 Cal Poly Humboldt

• 5:00 p.m. | Game 1 (Winners of 12:00 p.m. & 2:30 p.m. games)
• 7:30 p.m. | Game 2 (Winners of 5:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. games)