Box Score
ROHNERT PARK --
Chad Johnson exploded for 31 points and the Warriors dominated play in the second half to beat Sonoma State, 82-74, in men's basketball Thursday night in Seawolf Gym.
Cal State Stanislaus turned a 17-point first half deficit into a win by outscoring SSU, 48-27, in the second for the win. The Warriors improved to 7-5 overall and 3-4 in the California Collegiate Athletic Association.
Frank Monge had his second double-double of the season with 15 points and 13 rebounds. Monge and the Warriors dominated the glass, particularly in the second half. In the end Stanislaus out-rebounding Sonoma State, 39-22.
The Warriors have now won three of their last four games.
The Seawolves, losers of six straight, was led by Olsem with 22 points. SSU is now 3-11 overall and 2-7 in the CCAA.
Sonoma State came out red-hot in the first half and nailed seven three-pointers to build a 47-34 halftime lead. The Seawolves led by as many as 17 points with 2:45 to go before the break. Olesm had five treys in the first half.
The teams traded baskets to start the second half until the Warriors defense took over. The larger Warriors also took control of the game by controlling the rebounding game.
Johnson gave the Warriors their first lead with a basket at 4:48 to go to make it 66-65. He added a three-pointer 40 second later and Monge added a layup at 3:03 to give Stanislaus a six-point lead.
Sonoma State would stay close and a pair of Olsem free throws at 1:53 made it a three-point game. However, Johnson scored five unanswered points to give the Warriors an 8-point, 76-68, lead with a minute to go.
Johnson, who scored 18 of his points in the second half, was 9-for-16 from the floor and was a perfect 11-for-11 from the foul line. Johnson also led the team with 21 points in last Saturday game at UC San Diego.
Casey Cutts, who finished with eight points, nailed two key three-pointers in the second half to contribute.
Stanislaus will travel north to Arcata to take on Humboldt State at Lumberjack Arena Saturday night. Humboldt State beat Chico State, 72-60, to end a two-game skid Thursday.