SAN MARCOS — Marlon Short's first career 20-point game, fourth career double-digit rebounding game and third career double-double led the Stanislaus State men's basketball team Thursday, but it was host and No. 14/14 Cal State San Marcos that came away with a 66-52 California Collegiate Athletic Association win at The Sports Center.
 
Short scored a season-high 22 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to lead all players in both categories. He was the only Warrior in double figures, though seven other teammates scored at least two points each. Luis Salgado flirted with a double-double at eight points and seven rebounds. Will Pallesi scored seven points and had four rebounds off the bench. Benno Zecic had four points, four rebounds and five assists from the point guard position.
 
No. 14/14 Cal State San Marcos (15-3, 11-3 CCAA) took a 14-point, 27-13 lead into the locker room at halftime after dominating the first half defensively. The Cougars held Stanislaus State (7-13, 4-11 CCAA) to 24% shooting (6 for 25), including just 1 for 12 (8.3%) from behind the 3-point line, in the game's first 20 minutes. CSUSM finished with four double-figure scorers, led by 19 from Blake Seits.
 
Stan State was much improved offensively in the second half. It matched Cal State San Marcos point-for-point in the half, tying them, 39-39, in the second stanza. The Warriors shot 44.4% in the second and were an impressive 12 for 13 (92.3%) from the free-throw line.
 
The Warriors used an 11-0 run early in the second half to work their 14-point halftime deficit down to as little as five points. Pallesi capped the run with his only 3-pointer of the game, making it 32-27. But Cal State San Marcos answered with five quick points to put the lead back at double digits, and Stan State would never again get as close. Every time the Warriors put the deficit back at single digits or as little as 10 points, the Cougars responded.
 
Stanislaus State next travels to Cal State LA on Saturday for the teams' first meeting this season. Tip-off is scheduled for 3 p.m. Fans can find all live coverage links on WarriorAthletics.com.