TURLOCK, Calif.---A balanced team effort and efficient ball movement fueled the Stan State men's basketball team to an 81–69 CCAA victory over San Francisco State on Wednesday night at Fitzpatrick Arena. The Warriors pulled away in the second half behind Malachi Johnson's fourth double-double of the season, as he finished with 19 points and 10 rebounds, while the offense totaled 21 assists against just 10 turnovers. Jason Cibull and Mark Jones III orchestrated the attack, combining for 12 assists with only two turnovers as Stan State outscored the Gators 43–32 after halftime.
First Half
The opening 20 minutes featured a tightly contested battle with six ties and 11 lead changes. San Francisco State (2–14, 1–8 CCAA) struck first, but the Warriors responded with strong inside play from Milandev Chatha and a spark off the bench from Diego Martinez, who knocked down a pair of three-pointers to help Stan State build early momentum.
Both teams traded runs throughout the half, with neither side able to create significant separation. The Warriors leaned on ball movement and timely perimeter shooting to stay in front, edging the Gators 38–37 at the break after a late transition basket from Martinez gave Stan State the narrow advantage.
Second Half
Stan State took control coming out of the locker room, opening the half with increased defensive pressure and improved efficiency on the offensive end. The Warriors shot nearly 59 percent in the second half, repeatedly converting in the paint while also knocking down key perimeter shots to stretch the lead.
Johnson asserted himself inside with strong finishes and work on the glass, while Lloyd French delivered a career-high 18 points and Jason Cibull connected from deep to keep the offense flowing. A decisive run midway through the half pushed the Warriors into double digits, and they maintained control down the stretch with disciplined execution and defensive stops to secure the 12-point win. The victory improved Stan State to 8–7 overall and 4–5 in CCAA play, while San Francisco State dropped to 2–14 overall and 1–8 in conference action.
Warrior Notables
- Malachi Johnson recorded his fourth double-double of the season with 19 points and 10 rebounds, anchoring the Warriors at both ends of the floor.
- Lloyd French scored a career-high 18 points while also pulling down eight rebounds.
- Jason Cibull posted a career-high six assists, while Mark Jones III tied his season high with six assists as the duo combined for 12 assists against just two turnovers.
- The Warriors totaled 21 assists on 29 made field goals and committed only 10 turnovers, showcasing efficient ball movement and decision-making.
- Stan State outscored San Francisco State 43–32 in the second half and held a 36–22 advantage in points in the paint.
Up Next
Stan State returns to Fitzpatrick Arena to host No. 7 Cal State East Bay on Saturday, Jan. 17 at 3 p.m. The Pioneers defeated UC Merced 75–62 on the road in Merced on Thursday evening. The Warriors will then face UC Merced in a home-and-home series next week, traveling to Merced on Thursday, Jan. 22 for a 7:30 p.m. tip before returning home to host the Bobcats on Saturday, Jan. 24 at 3 p.m.
