TURLOCK, Calif. – Stan State kicked off 2026 in thrilling fashion, holding off Cal State Monterey Bay for a 79–77 win Friday night at Fitzpatrick Arena. The Warriors erased an eight-point second-half deficit and surged ahead late behind Donjae Lindsey's 20 points, while Mark Jones III added a season-high 12. Jason Zimmer and Malachi Johnson chipped in 11 points each, with Johnson also pulling down 11 rebounds for his second double-double of the season as four Warriors scored in double figures.

Stan State improved to 6–5 overall and 2–3 in CCAA play with the victory, while Cal State Monterey Bay fell to 7–4 overall and 2–3 in conference action.

First Half
Stan State came out with energy, opening the game with consecutive three-pointers from Daniel Ameyaw and Malachi Johnson to take an early 6–0 lead. Cal State Monterey Bay responded with a late push to take the lead, but the Warriors stayed within striking distance and closed the half strong, trimming the deficit to 36–33 at the break behind timely baskets from Donjae Lindsey and Lloyd French.

Second Half
The Otters extended their lead to as many as eight early in the second half, but Stan State answered with a decisive run sparked by Mark Jones III. Jones scored all 12 of his points in the second half as the Warriors surged in front and later pushed the lead to nine with just under six minutes remaining. Cal State Monterey Bay made one final push in the closing moments, but Jason Zimmer calmly knocked down the decisive free throw at the buzzer to secure the 79–77 victory.

Warrior Notables
• Donjae Lindsey led Stan State with 20 points on 8-of-12 shooting and added six rebounds.
• Malachi Johnson recorded his second double-double of the season with 11 points, 11 rebounds and three blocked shots.
• Mark Jones III scored a season-high 12 points, all in the second half, on 4-of-6 shooting and made several key plays down the stretch.
• Jason Zimmer added 11 points, including two three-pointers and the game-clinching free throw at the horn.
• Stan State won the rebounding battle 44–40 and held an 18–9 advantage in second-chance points.

Up Next
Stan State continues its home stand on Sunday, hosting Cal State San Marcos at 3 p.m. inside Fitzpatrick Arena. Cal State San Marcos enters the matchup after defeating UC Merced 62–57 on Friday in Merced. After Sunday's game, the Warriors will travel to Southern California for their next two games at Cal State Los Angeles on Thursday, January 8 at 7:30 p.m. and Cal State Dominguez Hills on Saturday, January 10 at 3 p.m., before returning home on Thursday, January 15 at 7:30 p.m. to host San Francisco State.