TURLOCK, Calif. – Stan State opened the new year with a valiant effort but came up short in overtime, dropping a 78–72 decision to Cal State Monterey Bay on Friday night inside Fitzpatrick Arena. In a game that featured 13 lead changes and 11 ties, the Warriors rallied late to force the extra period but couldn't overcome the Otters' decisive 12–6 run in the final five minutes. Alyssa Premo scored a career-high 20 points, while Aaliyah Dias added a season-high 16 points, including three triples, to lead Stan State's offense.

Cal State Monterey Bay improves to 5–6 overall and 2–3 in CCAA play, while Stan State moves to 1–7 overall and 0–5 in conference action.

First Quarter
Cal State Monterey Bay set the tone early, using efficient perimeter shooting and transition opportunities to jump out to a double-digit lead. The Otters outscored Stan State 22–10 in the opening period, capitalizing on turnovers and
second-chance points.

Second Quarter
Stan State responded with improved ball movement and defensive pressure in the second quarter. Premo attacked the paint to spark the offense, while Dias provided a lift off the bench. The Warriors outscored CSUMB 19–11 in the period to cut the deficit to 33–29 at halftime.

Third Quarter
The teams traded baskets throughout the third quarter in a tightly contested stretch. MilaSarai Tau and Eryn Gardner anchored the interior on both ends of the floor as Stan State continued to chip away, with Monterey Bay holding a slim 46–43 edge entering the fourth.

Fourth Quarter
Stan State continued to battle in the final quarter, tying the game multiple times behind defensive stops and timely baskets. Premo knocked down clutch free throws, and her fast-break layup with 11 seconds remaining tied the game at 66–66, sending the contest to overtime.

Overtime
Cal State Monterey Bay opened the extra period with key baskets and trips to the free-throw line. Stan State continued to fight, with Tau converting in transition and at the line, but the Otters closed out the 78–72 victory in the final seconds.

Warrior Notables
• Alyssa Premo scored a career-high 20 points on 6-of-9 shooting while going 8-for-9 from the free-throw line.
• Aaliyah Dias recorded a season-high 16 points off the bench, knocking down three three-pointers.
• MilaSarai Tau finished with 15 points and five rebounds.
• Eryn Gardner added 10 points, six rebounds, three steals, and a block.
• Quinn Garrett dished out four assists.

Up Next
Stan State continues its home stand Sunday against Cal State San Marcos, which defeated UC Merced 70–64 Friday evening in Merced. Following Sunday's contest, the Warriors will travel to Southern California for their next two games, visiting Cal State Los Angeles on Thursday, Jan. 8, at 5:30 p.m. before facing Cal State Dominguez Hills on Saturday, Jan. 10, at 1 p.m. Stan State then returns home on Thursday, Jan. 15, to host San Francisco State at 5:30 p.m.