TURLOCK, Calif. — Malachi Johnson recorded his third straight double-double and fifth of the season with 15 points and 11 rebounds, but Stan State came up short despite four Warriors scoring in double figures in a 71–57 decision against No. 7 Cal State East Bay on Saturday afternoon at Fitzpatrick Arena.
Stan State showed balance on the offensive end and continued to compete throughout the contest against the nationally ranked visitors.
First Half
The Warriors came out with energy early, trading baskets in the opening minutes before Cal State East Bay used an efficient shooting stretch to create separation. The Pioneers connected on nearly 60 percent of their shots in the first half and built a 42–30 lead at the break.
Johnson established an early presence in the paint, while Stan State generated scoring opportunities in transition and on second-chance plays. Despite solid offensive execution, Cal State East Bay capitalized on turnovers and perimeter shooting to maintain control heading into halftime.
Cal State East Bay entered the contest unbeaten and left Fitzpatrick Arena improving to 16-0 overall and 10-0 in CCAA play, while the Warriors moved to 8-8 overall and 4-6 in conference action.
Second Half
Stan State continued to battle in the second half, matching Cal State East Bay's physicality and trimming the margin during several stretches. The Warriors shot just over 39 percent from the field after the break and forced multiple turnovers to create scoring chances.
Stan State also controlled the glass, winning the rebounding battle 38–35, led by Johnson's 11 rebounds and eight boards from Daniel Ameyaw. Each Warrior run was answered by Cal State East Bay, however, as the visitors extended their lead midway through the half.
Warrior Notables
- Malachi Johnson finished with 15 points and 11 rebounds for his third straight double-double and fifth of the season.
- Lloyd French added 12 points, while Daniel Ameyaw and Jason Cibull chipped in 10 points apiece to give Stan State four players in double figures.
- Stan State outrebounded Cal State East Bay 38–35, led by Johnson and Ameyaw.
- Ameyaw now has 517 career rebounds, sitting four shy of moving past Brian Hall into fourth place on the Warriors' all-time top-10 rebounding list.
Up Next
The Warriors will 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.
Saturday's game will be Golden Valley Health Center Day, and halftime will feature recognition of the Stan State Athletics Hall of Fame inductees, including former Warrior baseball player and current Minnesota Twins pitcher Joe Ryan, former director of athletics Dr. Milton Richards, former track and women's basketball standout Katie Busi, the 2014 women's soccer team, and BlueChip Broadcasting members Eric Davis and Bryan Nelson.
