By Haddy Barghouti (HB_SportsBeat) – Senior Staff Writer | Freshman guard Melvin Bell Jr. dunks with two hands over redshirt junior forward/gaurd Antonio Chol during SJSU’s 90-80 loss. (Photo by Marilyn -Bride Anye — The Spear)
San Jose State men’s basketball (6-16, 1-10 MW) narrowly lost 90-80 to New Mexico (18-4, 9-2 MW) at home Saturday night.
The Spartans hung around with the Lobos throughout and cut the deficit to five points in the second half, but they were unable to capitalize down the stretch. Each time SJSU found an answer offensively, New Mexico responded on the other end.
“We missed some opportunities to really tighten it up, and every time we missed an opportunity, it felt like they made us pay,” SJSU head coach Tim Miles said.
SJSU head coach Tim Miles looks on while speaking with an official on the sideline during the Spartans’ 90-80 loss. (Photo by Aaliyah Stuart—The Spear)
SJSU struggled early, opening the game 5-of-15 from the field and 1-of-8 from 3-point range. The Spartans found their rhythm after halftime, leaning on improved perimeter shooting to stay within striking distance.
Sophomore guard Jermaine Washington hit back-to-back 3-pointers, and senior forward Sadraque NgaNga followed with a corner three to cut the lead to eight and keep the crowd engaged. Moments later, freshman guard Melvin Bell Jr. missed a corner three that would have cut the deficit further, and the Lobos took advantage of the missed opportunity.
New Mexico was led by freshman guard Jake Hall, who scored 27 points on 10-of-14 shooting and knocked down seven 3-pointers. Hall helped power a Lobos offense that finished 11-of-23 from beyond the arc.
The Spartans received a boost from junior guard Colby Garland, who returned to the starting lineup after coming off the bench in his first two games back from injury and led SJSU with 24 points.
“I think I did a good job getting my guys involved,” Garland said. “When they started making shots, it opened the floor for me to get easier looks and get to my spots. I just had to make them tonight.”
Junior guard Colby Garland looks to drive as Lobos freshman guard Jake Hall defends with a hand on the ball during SJSU’s 90-80 loss. (Photo by Aaliyah Stuart —The Spear)
Miles also made changes to the starting lineup, inserting junior forward Marcus Overstreet for his first start of the season and moving NgaNga to the bench.
“Earlier in practice we said every starting spot’s open, go earn it,” Miles said.
Washington also came off the bench and provided a spark, scoring 18 points after missing his first two 3-point attempts. He helped the Spartans’ bench produce 31 points, outscoring New Mexico’s reserves 31-21after a season of struggles.
“It’s never good to start 0-for-2,” Washington said. “But my teammates told me to keep shooting. They kept finding me even when I was missing.”
SJSU allowed 90 points for just the second time this season as the Lobos strung together timely offensive possessions. Both teams took care of the ball, with the Spartans committing five turnovers and six for New Mexico.
Saturday’s game drew the largest crowd of the season, with an attendance of 4,189.
“You see a little step in our guys when you get a full house like that,” Miles said. “So it was great.”
The Spartans have now lost five straight games and 11 of their last 12. SJSU will look to snap the skid on the road against Colorado State at 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, at Moby Arena in Fort Collins, Colo.
