LOS ANGELES, Calif.--- Stan State came up just short Thursday night, falling 57–56 to Cal State Los Angeles on a buzzer-beater in a tightly contested CCAA matchup at University Gym. Malachi Johnson recorded his second double-double in the last three games with 14 points and a season-high 14 rebounds as the Warriors led at halftime and held the advantage late in the second half, but a jumper by Isaiah Fields with six seconds remaining proved to be the difference.

Stan State slipped to 7–6 overall and 3–4 in CCAA play, but improved to 5–1 this season in games decided by five points or fewer.

First Half
Stan State settled in early on the road and built momentum behind its interior play, using strong rebounding and defensive pressure to stay in control for much of the opening half. Malachi Johnson was active on both ends of the floor, scoring inside and controlling the glass, while Antony Newman-Gomez provided a spark off the bench.

The Warriors erased early deficits and eventually took the lead midway through the half, closing the opening 20 minutes on a strong stretch to carry a 34–31 advantage into the locker room. Stan State shot 45.5 percent from the field in the first half and limited Cal State Los Angeles to 37.5 percent shooting.

Second Half
The second half featured 12 lead changes as both teams traded baskets in a physical, defensive battle. Cal State Los Angeles briefly pulled ahead early, but Stan State responded with timely scoring from Newman-Gomez and Malik Johnson to regain the lead.

Stan State went ahead 56–55 on a late basket by Mark Jones III with 30 seconds remaining, but the Golden Eagles answered on the ensuing possession. Isaiah Fields connected on a jumper with six seconds left to give Cal State Los Angeles the lead, and Stan State's final look at the basket came up short as time expired.

Warrior Notables
• Malachi Johnson posted his second double-double in the last three games with 14 points and a season-high 14 rebounds, adding two blocks.
• Antony Newman-Gomez scored a season-high nine points off the bench on 4-of-5 shooting, including two three-pointers.
• Malik Johnson added six points and two rebounds while going 4-for-5 at the free-throw line.
• Mark Jones III finished with eight points, four assists, and three rebounds, scoring the Warriors' final basket.
• Stan State out-rebounded Cal State Los Angeles 44–29 and scored 13 second-chance points.

Game Breakdown
• Second-Chance Points: Stan State 13, Cal State Los Angeles 10
• Bench Points: Stan State 23, Cal State Los Angeles 10
• Points in the Paint: Stan State 28, Cal State Los Angeles 22

Milestone Watch
Daniel Ameyaw now sits three rebounds shy of 500 career rebounds at Stan State and is on pace to become the fifth Warrior in program history to reach the milestone.

Up Next
Stan State continues its Southern California road trip on Saturday at 3 p.m. at Cal State Dominguez Hills. The Toros defeated UC Merced 92–73 Thursday evening in Carson. The Warriors will then return home to Fitzpatrick Arena on Thursday, January 15 at 7:30 p.m. to host San Francisco State.