HAYWARD, Calif. — Stan State tipped off the 2025–26 season with an energetic performance Friday evening at the Pioneer Challenge hosted by Cal State East Bay, going toe-to-toe with Jessup before falling 78–68 at Pioneer Gym. The Warriors tied the game midway through the second half and showed balanced scoring, toughness on the boards, and encouraging depth in their season debut.

First Half
Stan State came out fast, scoring the first four points of the game on baskets from Malachi Johnson and Donjae Lindsey. The teams traded runs through the opening 10 minutes before Jessup used a late push to edge ahead 34–29 at the break. Lloyd French led the way in the first half with eight points and four rebounds, while Lindsey and Johnson combined for seven points and six boards. The Warriors matched Jessup on the glass and forced six turnovers in the opening period.

Second Half
Stan State opened the second half with energy, cutting the deficit to two on a Jason Cibull jumper before tying the game at 49–49 midway through the half. The Warriors continued to attack offensively behind Lindsey, who scored 12 of his team-high 16 points after halftime, and French, who added several strong drives to the rim. Despite the late push, Jessup capitalized on free throws down the stretch to pull away.

Warrior Leaders
Donjae Lindsey – 16 points (9-for-10 FT), 3 assists
Lloyd French – 15 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists
Jason Cibull – 13 points, 5-for-10 FG
Malachi Johnson – 8 rebounds, 3 points, 1 block

Warrior Notables
In his first game as a Warrior, Donjae Lindsey led Stan State with 16 points and three assists.
Lloyd French tied his career high with 15 points and added six rebounds in his second season opener.
Malachi Johnson grabbed eight rebounds in his Stan State debut.
Stan State outscored Jessup 22–18 in bench points.

Up Next
Stan State continues play at the Pioneer Challenge on Saturday, facing Fresno Pacific at 5:30 p.m. at Cal State East Bay's Pioneer Gym in Hayward. Fresno Pacific lost 75-71 to Cal State East Bay in the second game of the challenge.