By Kavin Mistry
It was raining inside and outside of the Event Center yesterday as the Spartans hit a season high 13-three’s in a win over Life Pacific College.
Sophomore Cody Schwartz played his best game of the season, connecting on five of the Spartans 13 three’s.
“We were able to shift the defense and that helped me get some open looks,” Schwartz said.
It was all SJSU in this one. From the beginning the Spartans jumped out to the early 12-3 lead and did not let the Warriors come any closer as the game went on.
While the Spartans did enjoy the offensive outburst after bottled down by the Grizzlies on Wednesday, the defense still has areas to improve. Despite being clear-cut better team, the Warriors did push the Spartans’ defense with its three-point shooting (13-28).
The team as a whole seemed to find its groove again after being knocked off by Montana on Wednesday, both Schwartz and senior guard Gary Williams Jr. said today helped get the team back on track.
“It helps a lot, I have been struggling most of the year,” Schwartz said. “Been trying to find my shot. Having a game like tonight helps a lot with confidence.”
The Spartans finished the game with 30 assists on 39 made field goals, a season high. Along with the sharp passing, it allowed five players to finish in double figures, led by sophomore forward Brandon Clarke (18).
SJSU used an aggressive style of play against the Warriors, pushing them early, then taking advantage from beyond the arc in the second half.
“I really like being aggressive on the glass,” Williams said. “I feel like when I attack the glass hard, it helps my overall game.”
Head coach Dave Wojcik had high praise postgame for Williams, saying he is exactly what the team needs coming off the bench when the starters are struggling.
“I am sort of beginning to like that with Gary,” Wojcik said. “He has given us a spark. I took him out of the lineup today and I started Jaycee (Hillsman), for those two guys it’s sort of a feel thing for me.”
The win secured the Spartans four wins in its last five games.
“Really proud of our guys, they came with good effort today,” Wojcik said. “That’s going into the break feeling pretty good as a coach.”
It seemed to be shear effort by the Spartans that helped lead them to the win today. Out-willing the Warriors in every facit of the game and out-rebounding them 48-18.
SJSU will have the next week off for finals before ending the non-conference part of its schedule against Bowling Green and Southern Utah.
The Spartans head into the break over .500 and in a much better position than a year ago when they began 1-7 to start the season.
