By Haddy Barghouti- Spear Reporter | Center Chol Marial attempts a jump shot during SJSU’s 77-71 loss over UNLV. (Photo by Abbie Westrope- Spear Photographer)
San Jose State’s Jermaine Washington and Chol Marial got the start, as the Spartans were down two starters in SJSU’s 77-71 loss versus UNLV.
The Spartans were hanging in the game, as it was a one-point game with 10 minutes to go in the second.
The Spartans had eight players in the game as starting center Robert Vaihola and guard Will McClendon were out due to injuries.
The Spartans’ bench had some big shoes to fill. McClendon is averaging 12 points per game and is second on the team in scoring; Vaihola is also averaging 6.9 rebounds on the season and is shooting over 55 % from the field on seven points per game.
The injury woes did not end there, as starting guard Donovan Yap Jr. left the game at 4:37 in the first half.
Yap’s injury decreased the Spartan’s rotation to a seven-man rotation.
After Yap went down, the bench played an increased role. Forward Sadraque NgaNga played 26 minutes and had five rebounds as the backup five.
Washington recorded 10 points, which is tied for his second-most points in a game this season, and shot 4-7 from the field. This marks the third time this season that Washington recorded double figures.
Washington also recorded one steal in the game.
Marial started the game over Vaihola and delivered on the defensive end, recording four blocks.
“Chol was there blocking shots, he was just changing our whole energy of the game,” Spartans guard Latrell Davis said.
Davis also scored 16 points off the bench, continuing his hot stretch.
“I just treat it as any other game. I just want to come in and impact the game,” Davis said.
Marial’s four blocks marked the most he’s had in a game all season.
“We had some chances, I thought in the first half to go block some shots and didn’t do it and I thought in the second half he (Marial) was locked in and ready to go,” Miles said.
Marial utilized his height, as his four blocks were the only blocks from a Spartans player.
