By Aaron Johnson (@voz_aaron1) – Spear Reporter
Myron Amey Jr. takes it all in after a Spartans victory I Photo by Andrew Hartley – The Spear
As the clock hit zero, junior guard Myron Amey Jr. overcome with emotion held onto the basketball tight and dropped down on one knee.
Not only did San Jose State’s (9-16, 2-10 MW) 73-66 victory over Air Force (8-16, 1-11 MW) snap a seven-game losing streak, this game meant a lot more to Amey Jr. then just a win.
Before the game, Amey Jr. was wearing a shirt dedicated to his younger cousin who tragically passed away to gun violence after San Jose State’s game against Colorado State.
“No one really knows how to handle death,” Amey Jr. said. “That just comes with time.”
Amey Jr. recalled his favorite memory of his time with his cousin.
“We would try to go over to his place once a month and play football in the yard,” Amey Jr. said. “He just always wanted to be on my team.”
Despite the horrific event, Amey Jr. wanted to keep his head up and still show up for his teammates and through it all, show up he did. Amey Jr. scored a team-high 25 points and grabbed four rebounds.
“I know how important this game was to us,” Amey Jr said. “We are looking for a 2-0 week, this was a great way to get started but we are not done yet.”
SJSU was able to secure the victory largely in part due to an 18-1 run in the second half. The Spartans defense switched into a two-three zone and started double-teaming to trap the Air Force players at the 3-point line.
This resulted in 10 Air Force turnovers and swung the game heavily in SJSU’s favor.
“I just felt the energy was so much better in the second half,” junior guard Alvaro Cardenas said. “I had fun playing defensively and that was something I haven’t felt for the past 10 games.”
Cardenas was the Spartans next highest scorer as he put up 22 points from being an aggressive slasher and getting to line six times.
The Spartans outscored the Falcons 44-24 in the paint on the game.
Head Coach Tim Miles felt a huge sense of relief as he walked into the locker room and was able to see joyous faces all around.
“We’ve walked into a lot of very frustrated and teary locker rooms,” Miles said. “It was just fun to be a part of a good one tonight.”
Amey Jr. and Cardenas combined for 47 points and were the life of the Spartans offense but, the highlight play of the night goes to freshman forward Christian Wise.
Wise would battle for a tough rebound over two players and then slammed it home over another Air Force defender.
“One of the officials said to me that’s as good of a play I’ve seen all season,” Miles said.
Miles praised Wise’s high motor and is looking forward to seeing Wise develop as he gets more experience.
SJSU will hope to build a win streak against Wyoming (12-11, 5-5 MW) in their next game. The Spartans almost defeated Wyoming in their last matchup as they lost 75-73 on a buzzer beater from senior Akuel Kot out in Laramie.
This time the Spartans will have them at home and tip off is scheduled for Saturday at 7:00 p.m.