By Haddy Barghouti (HB_SportsBeat) – Spear Reporter | Redshirt sophomore forward Adrian Myers contests a shot by Utah guard Elijah Moore during San Jose State’s 84-75 loss on Monday. (Photo Courtesy of SJSU Athletics)
The college basketball season is underway, and the San Jose State men’s basketball team opened with a hard-fought 84-75 loss to Utah on Monday at the Jon M. Huntsman Center.
The Spartans kept it close throughout, trailing just 44-38 at halftime after a strong shooting performance from behind the arc, hitting over 40 percent as a team. However, they cooled off in the second half, finishing 6-for-20 from three-point range at 30 percent overall.
Junior guard Colby Garland made his SJSU debut and was a bright spot for the Spartans, leading the team with 21 points and four assists.
Senior forward Yaphet Moundi also impressed in his debut, recording a double-double with 12 points and 13 rebounds in just 23 minutes.
Senior guard Javaughn Hannah provided a spark off the bench with an efficient 12 points on 5-of-7 shooting.
Three freshmen, Douglas Langford, Melvin Bell Jr., and Ben Roseborough, also made their collegiate debuts, with Roseborough contributing eight points in 18 minutes.
Despite the loss, SJSU head coach Tim Miles was encouraged by his team’s effort and chemistry.
“I thought the guys fought hard and did a lot of good things,” Miles said. “I think we found a rhythm in the second half.”
The Spartans struggled at the free-throw line, shooting just 9-for-18. Free-throw shooting was an issue last season as well, when they shot 74.5 percent as a team.
Both teams took care of the ball, committing 11 turnovers each, but Utah capitalized more off those mistakes, outscoring San Jose State 20–10 in points off turnovers.
On defense, SJSU tallied six steals and one block, while Utah slightly edged them with seven steals and four blocks.
Miles said he believes the new-look roster, featuring several newcomers, will only improve as the season progresses.
“The kids worked right till the bitter end,” Miles said. “I think we can use this as a learning experience.”
The Spartans will continue their three-game road trip at 1 p.m. on Saturday at the UCSB Events Center against UC Santa Barbara.
