CARSON, Calif. – Stan State fell 80–71 to Cal State Dominguez Hills on Saturday afternoon in CCAA action at the Toro Dome. Malachi Johnson scored a game-high 17 points as the Warriors stayed within striking distance throughout, trailing 40–36 at halftime and matching the Toros in the second half, but Cal State Dominguez Hills' efficient shooting and 21 made free throws proved decisive.

Stan State is now 7–7 overall and 3–5 in CCAA play, while Cal State Dominguez Hills improved to 11–4 overall and 6–2 in conference action.

First Half
Stan State weathered an early run by Cal State Dominguez Hills, the defending CCAA and NCAA Division II West Region champions, and settled into the game behind balanced scoring and strong interior play. Malachi Johnson and Daniel Ameyaw provided a presence inside, while the Warriors remained within one possession for much of the opening half despite the Toros shooting better than 55 percent from the field.

Stan State answered multiple Toro runs with timely baskets and carried momentum into the final minutes of the half, but Dominguez Hills held a 40–36 advantage at the break.

Second Half
The Warriors opened the second half with energy, briefly taking the lead behind consecutive three-pointers from Jason Cibull and a dunk by Ameyaw to go ahead 47–44. Stan State continued to battle through multiple lead changes, matching the Toros' scoring and staying within one to two possessions deep into the half.

With under six minutes remaining, Cal State Dominguez Hills began to separate at the free-throw line, converting 15 second-half free throws to create breathing room. The Warriors continued to fight, cutting the deficit to six late, but the Toros closed out the game to secure the 80–71 decision.

Warrior Notables
• Malachi Johnson led the Warriors with a game-high 17 points, adding eight rebounds, three assists, and two blocks.
• Jason Cibull finished with 12 points, knocking down four three-pointers, with three coming in the second half.
• Donjae Lindsey scored 11 points off the bench and went 4-for-5 at the free-throw line.
• Lloyd French and Mark Jones III each added eight points, with Jones contributing five assists.
• Daniel Ameyaw chipped in seven points and five rebounds while battling inside.

Milestone Watch
Daniel Ameyaw recorded five rebounds in the contest to reach and surpass 500 career rebounds at Stan State, becoming the fifth Warrior in program history to achieve the milestone. The forward now sits at 502 career rebounds and continues to climb the program's all-time rebounding list.

Up Next
The Warriors will return home to Fitzpatrick Arena on Thursday, January 15 at 7:30 p.m. to host San Francisco State, beginning a two-week stretch in which Stan State will play three of its next four games at home. The homestand continues Saturday, January 17 at 3 p.m. as the Warriors welcome No. 10 Cal State East Bay. Stan State will then travel to UC Merced on Thursday, January 22 at 7:30 p.m. before returning home Saturday, January 24 at 3 p.m. to host the Bobcats.