CARSON, Calif.--- Stan State battled to the final possession Saturday afternoon at the Torodome, but came up just short in a 79–74 loss to Cal State Dominguez Hills in CCAA action. The Warriors surged in the third quarter to seize momentum and led by as many as 15 points early in the fourth, before the Toros closed the game with a late run. Alyssa Premo scored a career-high 21 points to lead Stan State, while Eryn Gardner added 17 points and eight rebounds and MilaSarai Tau finished with 16 points, going a perfect 10-for-10 at the free-throw line.
First Quarter
The two teams traded baskets throughout a competitive opening period that featured multiple lead changes. Premo and Tau combined for early scoring as the Warriors pushed the pace, while Cal State Dominguez Hills answered
from the perimeter. The Toros closed the quarter with a late fast-break layup to take a 24–20 edge after one.
Second Quarter
Stan State continued to battle in the second period, using offensive rebounding and trips to the free-throw line to stay within striking distance. Gardner controlled the glass on both ends, and Tau converted from the stripe as the Warriors kept the margin tight. Cal State Dominguez Hills carried a narrow 38–36 lead into halftime.
Third Quarter
The Warriors delivered their strongest stretch coming out of the break, outscoring the Toros 25–14 in the third quarter. Premo attacked the paint and converted at the free-throw line, while Gardner and Tau anchored the interior on both ends of the floor. Stan State took control of the game with a decisive run and carried a 61–52 advantage into the fourth quarter.
Fourth Quarter
Stan State extended its lead to 67–52 early in the final period, but Cal State Dominguez Hills responded with a sustained push down the stretch. The Toros chipped away possession by possession and reclaimed the lead with just over a minute remaining. Cal State Dominguez Hills, the defending CCAA champion, NCAA West Region champion, and NCAA Division II national runner-up, improved to 3–10 overall and 3–5 in conference play with the victory. The Warriors had chances late, including a tying three in the final 30 seconds, but the Toros closed the game at the free-throw line to secure the win.
Warrior Notables
• Alyssa Premo recorded a career-high 21 points while adding five rebounds and four assists.
• Eryn Gardner finished with 17 points, eight rebounds, six assists, and two steals.
• MilaSarai Tau scored 16 points and went 10-for-10 at the free-throw line.
• Quinn Garrett scored a season-high 11 points while adding five assists.
Up Next
Stan State (1–10, 0–8 CCAA) will return home to Fitzpatrick Arena on Thursday, January 15, at 5:30 p.m. to host San Francisco State, beginning a two-week stretch in which the Warriors will play three of their next four games at home. The home stand continues Saturday, January 17, at 1 p.m. as Stan State welcomes Cal State East Bay. The Warriors will then travel to UC Merced on Thursday, January 22, at 5:30 p.m. before returning home Saturday, January 24, at 1 p.m. to host the Bobcats.
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