TURLOCK, Calif. — Stan State led at halftime and battled back late, but a strong second half from UC Merced sent the Warriors to a 68-64 setback Saturday afternoon in CCAA action at Fitzpatrick Arena. The Warriors held a five-point edge at the break and cut the deficit to two in the final minute, led by double-digit scorers
Tahjae Ordonio (14 points),
Daniel Ameyaw (13), and
Malachi Johnson (11), before the Bobcats sealed the game at the free-throw line.
First Half
Stan State (8-10 overall, 4-8 CCAA) controlled the opening half, holding UC Merced (6-10, 4-8 CCAA) to 28 points while shooting 44.4 percent from the field. The Warriors built momentum through balanced scoring and defensive stops, taking their largest lead late in the half. Stan State closed the opening 20 minutes with a strong finish to carry a 33–28 advantage into halftime.
Second Half
UC Merced (6-10, 4-8 CCAA) responded after the break, cutting into the deficit and eventually pulling even at 40–40 with 15 minutes remaining. Stan State (8-10, 4-8 CCAA) answered with timely baskets to briefly regain control, but the Bobcats found their rhythm offensively, shooting 63.6 percent in the second half. Despite a late push that brought the Warriors within two in the final minute, UC Merced sealed the game at the free-throw line.
Warrior Notables
- Tahjae Ordonio scored a team-high 14 points off the bench, shooting 5-of-6 from the field.
- Daniel Ameyaw finished with 13 points and four rebounds.
- Malachi Johnson added 11 points and seven rebounds.
- Stan State recorded eight steals, led by Malachi Johnson with three and Javon Johnson with two.
- The Warriors held a 41–32 rebounding edge and scored 36 points in the paint.
Up Next
Stan State will 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. The Warriors defeated Cal State San Marcos 72–68 earlier this month in Turlock and edged CSU Monterey Bay 79–77. Stan State will then return home on Thurs., Feb. 5 at 7:30 p.m. to host Chico State at Fitzpatrick Arena.
