MERCED, Calif. — Stan State had three players score in double figures and led by as many as 15 points Thursday night, but UC Merced closed the game late to escape with a 60–59 win in CCAA action at Greg and Cathie Hostetler Court.
Lloyd French paced the Warriors with 13 points, while
Malachi Johnson added 12 and
Jason Cibull chipped in 11 as the Warriors carried a double-digit advantage into halftime and remained in front deep into the second half.
First Half
Stan State set the tone early, jumping out to a quick lead and controlling the opening 20 minutes on both ends of the floor. The Warriors knocked down three three-pointers in the first half and attacked the paint consistently, building a double-digit advantage midway through the period. Stan State led by as many as 11 points late in the half and took a 40–30 lead into the break after shooting 37.1 percent from the field and converting 11-of-14 free throws.
Second Half
The Warriors extended their lead to as many as 15 points early in the second half and remained in front through much of the period, holding UC Merced to limited scoring stretches. The Bobcats gradually chipped away using free throws and second-chance opportunities to close the gap. UC Merced tied the game in the final minute and took the lead at the foul line with under a minute remaining to secure the win.
With the result, Stan State moved to 8-9 overall and 4-7 in CCAA play, while UC Merced improved to 5-10 overall and 3-8 in conference action.
Warrior Notables
- Lloyd French led Stan State with 13 points and six rebounds.
- Malachi Johnson finished with 12 points and nine rebounds, narrowly missing his sixth double-double of the season and fourth straight.
- Jason Cibull added 11 points and three assists.
- Stan State held a 38–36 rebounding advantage and scored 32 points in the paint.
- The Warriors carried a 40–30 halftime lead and led for most of the contest.
Up Next
The Warriors return home for their next contest, hosting UC Merced at Fitzpatrick Arena on Saturday, Jan. 24 at 3:00 p.m. Stan State will then travel to San Marcos, Calif., for a rematch with Cal State San Marcos on Thursday, Jan. 29 at 7:30 p.m., followed by a trip to Seaside, Calif., for a 3:00 p.m. rematch with Cal State Monterey Bay on Saturday, Jan. 31.
