By Haddy Barghouti (HB_SportsBeat) – Spear Reporter | Freshman guard Melvin Bell Jr. takes a shot while guarded by Aztecs junior forward Miles Heide during SJSU’s 81–68 loss. (Photo by Lupita Ferreyra — The Spartan Daily)
San Jose State men’s basketball (5–8, 0–2 MW) played its first Mountain West home game in its final contest of 2025 and lost 81–68 to San Diego State University (8–4, 2–0 MW) on Tuesday night at the Provident Credit Union Event Center.
Near the end of the first half, senior forward Yaphet Moundi suffered a lower-leg injury and did not return. He later returned to the bench in street clothes and was seen limping.
Junior guard Colby Garland led the Spartans with 30 points, tying his season high. Despite shooting 7 of 21 from the field, Garland went 14 for 14 from the free-throw line and accounted for much of SJSU’s scoring.
“Happy to make all the free throws. My teammates did a great job spacing the floor. We knew this team was very gap-heavy, and what they do with their length kind of bothered us a little bit,” Garland said.
Turnovers played a major role, especially early, as San Diego State’s full-court pressure forced 10 Spartans turnovers in the first half. SJSU committed 18 turnovers overall, while the Aztecs finished with 16.
SJSU struggled shooting the ball, finishing 23% from 3-point range and 34% overall. SDSU shot 54% from beyond the arc and 52% overall.
The Spartans trailed by as many as 12 points after an early 10–0 Aztecs run, but would cut the deficit to four by halftime.
The Aztecs pulled away behind their depth, scoring 42 bench points while the Spartans managed just two.
Junior guard BJ Davis led SDSU with 18 points off the bench.
Despite playing at home, the atmosphere tilted late as traveling Aztecs fans chanted “Let’s go Aztecs” as time ran out.
SJSU head coach Tim Miles said San Diego State’s defense dictated the game.
“San Diego State’s defense, their length and athleticism, is phenomenal, and they know what they’re doing,” Miles said. “We have two primary ball handlers, and they were going to attack those guys and make other people handle it.”
Injuries continued to impact the Spartans. San Jose State played without senior guard Javaughn Hannah, who suffered an injury during SJSU’s 88–65 loss to New Mexico. Senior forward Sadraque NgaNga, who has played in 12 games this season, was also ruled out after being listed as questionable.
“Those in-game injuries really hurt you because you haven’t practiced without them,” Miles said. “We need all those guys back. That’s four potential starters not out there, and that really pinched us in a corner.”
Moundi’s injury led to extended minutes for freshman forward Japhet Moupadele and junior forward Marcus Overstreet, who combined to play 20 minutes after Moundi played 10 before exiting.
Freshman forward Douglas Langford made his second collegiate start and grabbed a career-high eight rebounds to lead the Spartans.
“My preparation, coach told me it was going to be a hidden game, and I just had to hit first. If you do that, things should work in your favor, and that was my mindset,” Langford said.
Both teams recorded eight steals and four blocks, matching each other’s defensive energy.
The loss marked San Jose State’s third straight defeat, tying its longest losing streak of the season.
The Spartans will open 2026 on the road against Utah State at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 3, at the Smith Spectrum in Logan, Utah.
