By Haddy Barghouti (HB_SportsBeat) – Senior Staff Writer | Junior guard Colby Garland looks to make a play in the paint while guarded by Rams sophomore forward Kyle Jorgensen during SJSU’s 65–57 loss. (Photo courtesy of SJSU Athletics)
San Jose State men’s basketball (6-17, 1-11 MW) remains winless on the road in conference play, falling 65-57 to Colorado State (13-10, 4-8 MW) on Saturday at Moby Arena in Fort Collins, Colo.
The Spartans trailed by just one point at halftime, 30-29, and briefly took the lead early in the second half after a 3-pointer from senior forward Sadraque NgaNga.
However, SJSU struggled to find rhythm offensively the rest of the way. After shooting 43.8 percent in the first half, the Spartans connected on just 29 percent of their shots after the break. They shot 35 percent from the field and 25 percent from 3-point range.
Colorado State also struggled from deep, shooting 22 percent, but the Rams made up for it by scoring 30 points in the paint and dominating the glass. The Rams outrebounded the Spartans 48-28.
Sophomore guard Jermaine Washington, the team’s leader in made 3-pointers, was listed as questionable and ruled out prior to tipoff.
SJSU also continues to miss senior forward Yaphet Moundi, the team’s leading rebounder, a loss the Rams took full advantage of.
Colorado State junior forward Rashaan Mbemba recorded a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds, while senior guard Jevin Muniz led the Rams with 15 points.
Despite the loss, the Spartans had several bright spots. Junior guard Colby Garland led all scorers with 21 points in his second game back in the starting lineup.
Redshirt sophomore guard Pasha Goodarzi added 15 points. Garland and Goodarzi both played all 40 minutes, as SJSU had no guards available off the bench.
Bench production proved to be a major difference. The Spartans received just 10 points from their reserves, compared to 26 from the Rams’ bench, as production off the bench lagged behind. NgaNga shot 2-for-8 from the field, while freshman forward Japhet Moupadele went 2-for-7.
SJSU took care of the ball, committing just four turnovers compared to Colorado State’s 10, but the disparity in shooting, rebounding and bench scoring proved too much to overcome.
SJSU’s shooting woes worsened in the second half. After shooting 43.8 percent in the first half, the Spartans connected on just 29 percent of their shots after the break.
The Spartans have now lost six straight games and 12 of their last 13. They will look to snap the losing streak at 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, when they face UNLV.
