ROCKLIN, Calif.--- The Stan State Warriors opened the 2025–26 regular season with a hard-fought 62–60 win over Bushnell University on Friday afternoon at the Bill Holtz Classic hosted by Jessup University. The game featured 12 ties and 11 lead changes before the Warriors pulled ahead late to secure their first win of the season.
First Quarter
The teams traded early baskets in a back-and-forth opening period. The Warriors found offense from inside the paint and in transition, while Bushnell hit a pair of early threes to stay close.
Eryn Gardner paced Stan with six first-quarter points as they edged ahead 19–14 after ten minutes.
Second Quarter
Bushnell battled back in the second, outscoring the Warriors 19–16 to cut the halftime deficit to two, 35–33. Gardner continued to lead the way with eight points in the period, and
Aaliyah Dias came off the bench to knock down a key jumper to keep the Warriors in front.
Third Quarter
The Beacons briefly took control in a defensive third quarter, limiting the Warriors to just ten points while earning a 12-point frame of their own. Bushnell used a string of free throws and second-chance opportunities to take a narrow 45–43 lead heading into the fourth quarter.
Fourth Quarter
The Warriors responded in the final period behind Gardner's mid-range shooting and a pair of big three-pointers from Dias and
Amya Vangkham-Griffin. The defense forced seven Bushnell turnovers in the quarter and held the Beacons to just five field goals.
Quinn Garrett and
Alyssa Premo hit free throws down the stretch, and Stan held off a final Bushnell push to seal the 62–60 victory.
Warrior Leaders
Bushnell was led by Sabrina Flowers with 13 points, and Maddie Gerhart added 12 points and seven rebounds.
Up Next
The Warriors continue play at the Bill Holtz Classic on Saturday, taking on host Jessup University at 2:30 p.m. in Rocklin. The game will stream live on the PacWest Network.
