By Haddy Barghouti (HB_SportsBeat) – Spear Reporter | Redshirt sophomore forward Adrian Myers takes a shot in the paint while guarded by Long Beach State sophomore forward JJ Chaikovsky during SJSU’s 89–83 overtime win on Dec. 9, 2025. (Photo by Diego Macaraeg — The Spear)
San Jose State men’s basketball (5–9, 0–3 MW) opened the calendar year with a 96–78 loss to Utah State (12–1, 3–0 MW) on Saturday afternoon at the Smith Spectrum in Logan, Utah.
The Spartans led 51–48 at halftime after a sharp offensive first half, shooting 9-of-15 from three-point range. They were unable to keep pace after the break as Utah State pulled away with an 18–4 run.
The Aggies, who sit atop the Mountain West standings, took control in the second half behind efficient shooting and interior scoring.
“Utah State showed its might and was able to get on top of us,” SJSU head coach Tim Miles said. “It was a good college basketball game for much of the night, and I think it will be a good learning experience.”
Utah State shot 63% from the field and dominated the paint, scoring 52 points inside compared with 28 for SJSU. The Aggies also held a significant advantage in bench production, outscoring the Spartans 45–13.
The 96 points allowed marked the most the Spartans have surrendered in a game this season.
Despite the loss, junior guard Colby Garland made program history by converting his 35th consecutive free throw, breaking the school record of 31 straight set by Carroll Williams in 1955.
Garland finished with 17 points, snapping a streak of five straight games scoring 20 or more.
Sophomore guard Jermaine Washington led SJSU with a season-high 18 points on 6-of-9 shooting.
Redshirt sophomore forward Adrian Myers, who moved into the starting lineup, knocked down a team-high four 3-pointers.
Utah State was led by senior guard MJ Collins Jr., who scored a game-high 23 points.
SJSU continued its recent improvement at the free-throw line, shooting better than 80 percent for the fourth consecutive game.
The Spartans entered the contest shooting 73 percent from the line this season after early struggles.
SJSU were without two starters. Senior forward Yaphet Moundi missed the game with a lower-leg injury sustained in SJSU’s Dec. 30 loss to San Diego State, while senior guard Javaughn Hannah was sidelined for the second straight game.
The loss extended the Spartans’ losing streak to four games, their longest of the season.
The Spartans return home to face Fresno State at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Provident Credit Union Event Center.
