By Lexie Shezifi — Reporter
San Jose State men’s basketball is off to a positive start this season with a 87-79 victory against Fresno Pacific University in Santa Cruz on Wednesday.
After the team’s previous games were canceled due to COVID-19 contact tracing within opponents’ programs, the Spartans were finally able to play their season opener against the Sunbirds.
SJSU jumped out to a 10-2 lead to start the game, led by guard Richard Washington.
Washington led the Spartans in scoring with a career-high 38 points and 12 boards.
The Spartans looked great offensively and defensively in the first half, holding the Sunbirds to 9 points throughout most of the first period.
When Fresno Pacific gained some momentum, SJSU guard Trey Smith stopped it with a quick fast break 3-point shot.
While Smith had a quiet night with eight points, his shots were at key moments to give the Spartans an offensive boost.
SJSU led 52-32 at halftime, but struggled to increase its lead as Fresno capitalized off of turnovers and fast break points.
The Sunbirds were able to take a 60-59 lead after going on a 13-1 run with 11 minutes to go.
SJSU guard Omari Moore was able to take back the lead for the Spartans with back to back shots and finished the night with 15 points, 11 rebounds and five assists.
Fresno was able to stay in the game after making key free throws late into the second half.
The Spartans were able to pull away to end the game with scoring from Washington and Moore, who were able to capitalize on their opponent’s turnovers.
SJSU’s bench came in clutch, scoring 24 of the Spartans’ 87 points and giving an offensive boost throughout the game.
The team is looking ahead to Friday when it will play Saint Mary’s College in Moraga with tipoff at 7 p.m., provided the game isn’t canceled due to COVID-19 restrictions.
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