By Haddy Barghouti (HB_SportsBeat) – Spear Reporter | Junior guard Colby Garland looks to drive while guarded by senior guard Keith Lamar during SJSU’s 80-66 win. (Photo by Marilyn-Bride Anye/The Spear)
San Jose State men’s basketball (2-3, 0-0 MW) earned its second straight home win, defeating Southern University (2-4, 0-0 SWAC) 80-66 on Friday at the Provident Credit Union Event Center in the inaugural matchup between the two programs.
Senior forward Yaphet Moundi led the way with a career-high 21 points, shooting 6-of-7 from the field and knocking down nine of his 13 free-throw attempts. He also recorded his fourth double-double of the season.
SJSU head coach Tim Miles said Moundi’s energy continues to elevate the team’s frontcourt play.
“You can see he’s got this energy level that’s a little bit different. He’s fast, he’s athletic, and sometimes he drives you a little bananas, but he’s a productive guy, and I like that about him,” Miles said.
The Spartans had four players finish with over 15 points. Sophomore guard Jermaine Washington added a career-high 17 points, leading the team with four made threes.
Miles said Washington’s shooting rhythm is something the staff believes can continue.
“Jermaine shot it like this in practice, even better. We expect him to shoot well and be a dynamic guy,” Miles said. “We’re not built on the three as much this year, but we still need those shots, and he gave us that tonight.”
Redshirt freshman guard Ben Roseborough continued his strong start to the season, following his 15-point game against Bethesda with 16 more on Friday.
Junior guard Colby Garland, who has been SJSU’s leading scorer all season, finished with 16 points and logged a season-high 36 minutes.
SJSU also had the advantage from deep, shooting 8-of-18 from the three-point line compared to Southern’s 7-of-28.
The Jaguars didn’t lack defensive pressure, forcing 11 steals and three blocks, but the Spartans countered by controlling the glass 36–25 and outscoring them 30–24 in the paint.
The Spartans also bounced back at the free-throw line, shooting 22-of-29 after going just 50% against Bethesda.
Despite the final margin, Miles emphasized the quality of the opponent. Southern entered the night averaging 99 points per game and recently took Washington to overtime.
“You’ve got to be on high alert with these guys, and we were lucky enough,” Miles said. “I thought we played pretty solid defense. Holding them to 66 when they’re averaging 99, it was a big night for us. Defensively, we needed that kind of effort.”
Senior guard Michael Jacobs led Southern with 24 points on 9-of-17 shooting.
SJSU played a short eight-man rotation, while Southern used 12 players.
The Spartans remain without two starters: senior guard JaVaughn Hannah and redshirt sophomore forward Adrian Myers.
The Spartans now hit the road for the Acrisure Holiday Invitational, where they will face the Tulsa Golden Hurricanes at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Acrisure Arena in Palm Springs, CA.
