By: Mohammad Najimi (@mnajimisjsu) – Spear Reporter | With the scoreboard locked at 77–77, Spartans’ freshman forward Douglas Langford readies himself in a tense final minute during regulation in the match against Long Beach State on Dec. 9. (Photo by Diego Macaraeg – Spear Photographer)
The San Jose State Spartans (5-5, 0-0 MW) survived a grueling battle with Long Beach State (2-9, 0-2 BW), pulling out an 89–83 overtime victory thanks to standout performances from junior guard Colby Garland and senior forward Yaphet Moundi.
Garland led the way with 27 points, including 10 in overtime, repeatedly attacking the rim and taking over the offense when the game demanded composure.
His late surge exemplified the versatility SJSU head coach Tim Miles praised after the win.
“You can put him in isolation or on a ball screen, and he makes really good things happen for our offense,” Miles said. “Those plays matter in games like this.”
For Garland, the performance was a reflection of effort and preparation rather than stats.
“I try to do whatever it takes for my team to win,” Garland said. “All the tough things we’re doing, the weight room, the running, we’re getting to see it in overtime.”
Moundi provided a steadying presence throughout regulation, scoring 18 points and finishing with a +13 plus-minus, tied for the team high.
His consistency kept SJSU in striking distance during stretches when LBSU dominated the boards, and his calm approach allowed SJSU to weather the physicality inside.
SJSU freshman forward Douglas Langford made his impact felt primarily on defense.
Although he finished with just four points, four rebounds and an assist, his +13 plus-minus in over 17 minutes mirrored Moundi’s, showing how crucial his rotations, blocks and deflections were in swing possessions.
Langford credited the team’s late-game push to their collective defensive effort.
“We made that run when we were down eight with about two minutes and 40 seconds left,” Langford said. “I felt like that was the biggest jump—like, we got them now.”
Miles said SJSU’s ability to absorb LBSU’s physicality and still execute offensively was a testament to their preparation and focus.
“We made a good percentage of threes. We got to the foul line on a regular basis. Our assist to turnover margin was not great, but we were solid scoring the ball,” Miles said.
The Spartans didn’t dominate the glass, they were out-rebounded on the offensive boards 18–7, but Garland and Moundi’s scoring, combined with Langford’s defensive energy, allowed SJSU to overcome the deficit and secure a hard-fought win.
In a game defined by physicality and perseverance, the Spartans leaned on their leaders when it mattered most.
Garland’s late-game heroics, Moundi’s steady hand and Langford’s defensive presence were the difference in one of SJSU’s gutsiest victories of the early season.
SJSU will stay home as they face Stanford at 4 p.m. on Dec. 13 at the Provident Credit Union Event Center.
