(Written by Craig Lifto, SSU Sports Information)TURLOCK, Calif. -- David Ahern went for a game-high 18 points, but his layup attempt with just seconds remaining in regulation that would have tied the contest at 72 apiece bounced off the front of the rim, as the Sonoma State men's basketball team fell short on Friday night against host Cal State Stanislaus, 73-70, at Fitzpatrick Arena in Turlock.
The Seawolves are 0-3 on their current road trip, falling to 8-5 overall and 5-4 in the CCAA. The Warriors (10-4) keep pace with Cal Poly Pomona atop the conference standings at 7-2, one game ahead of third place UC San Diego.
Sonoma State started off hot, building their lead to 16-6 after
Mike Harris hit a pair of free throws with 13:35 left in the first half. The Warriors chipped away at the Seawolve advantage and were able to take the lead at 24-23 with 5:11 remaining in the half. The Warriors ended the first half with a 35-31 lead.
The second half score was close throughout and the Seawolves were able to battle back from their halftime deficit and were able to reclaim the lead, 47-46, when
James Davis hit a pair of free throws with 12:57 remaining in the contest. Unfortunately, the next basket was a three-pointer by the Warriors' Alex Carlson to give his team the lead back and the Warriors were able to hold on for the win.
The Seawolves shot 42.9% (18-42) from the field to the Warriors 51.9% (28-54). Sonoma State was 44.4% (8-18) to Cal State Stanislaus 20% (3-15) on three-pointers. The Warriors won the battle on the glass, 29-21. The Warriors turned 14 Seawolve turnovers into 17 points, while the Warriors turned the ball over eight times for 10 Seawolf points. The Seawolves had an impressive night at the charity-stripe going 26-30 (86.7%)
David Ahern turned in 18 points to lead all Seawolf scorers.
James Davis had 14 points, which included 9-9 from the free throw line. Harris had 11 points to go with a team-leading five rebounds.
JJ Mina had 13 points.
Wes Bartole led the Warriors in scoring with 18 points. Teammate Chris Read had 16
Sonoma State finishes off its weekend on the road against Chico State at 7:30 P.M. Saturday.