By Haddy Barghouti (HB_SportsBeat) – Senior Staff Writer | Junior guard Colby Garland looks to drive into the paint while guarded by junior forward Rashaan Mbemba during SJSU’s 85–73 loss. (Photo by Marilyn-Bride Anye — The Spear)
San Jose State men’s basketball (8-21, 3-15 MW) struggled from beyond the arc and could not keep pace with Colorado State University (19-10, 10-8 MW) in an 85-73 loss at home on Saturday.
The Spartans shot 7-of-21 from 3-point range and were unable to match the Rams, who entered the game leading the Mountain West in 3-point percentage at 39.1% from deep.
Colorado State hit six 3-pointers in the first half to take a 42-37 lead into the break and finished 9-of-17 from deep. Junior guard Brandon Rechsteiner led the Rams with 20 points, shooting 6-of-9 from beyond the arc.
SJSU briefly grabbed control early in the second half. A highlight alley-oop from junior guard Colby Garland to freshman guard Melvin Bell Jr. gave the Spartans a 55-54 lead with just over 12 minutes remaining.
Colorado State responded quickly. The Spartans missed eight of their next nine field-goal attempts as the Rams built a double-digit advantage. Colorado State shot 70% from the field in the second half to seal the win.
SJSU head coach Tim Miles said containing Colorado State’s perimeter attack was a major point of emphasis.
“You’ve got to contain their shooting. They’re one of the best shooting teams in the country,” Miles said.
Garland continued his scoring surge despite the loss. He scored 28 points on 10-of-17 shooting, including 19 in the second half, marking his eighth consecutive game with 20 or more points. He also added eight assists and played all 40 minutes.
Bell Jr. finished with 15 points and a team-high six rebounds.
The Spartans took care of the ball, committing just six turnovers compared to 11 by the Rams, but struggled to sustain their early offensive rhythm.
SJSU opened the game with three quick 3-pointers, including one from senior forward Sadraque NgaNga and two from redshirt sophomore forward Adrian Myers, who started 2-for-2 in the first six minutes.
However, Myers missed his next four shots and later fouled out.
“You’ve got to let the kid know to play smart and not pick up a foul you shouldn’t take,” Miles said. “You still need to play aggressively. My biggest fear is when guys are worried about foul trouble.”
Despite the defeat, Miles expressed confidence in his team’s trajectory.
“I don’t think we’re off track,” Miles said. “We ran into a really good team playing great offensive basketball tonight. I don’t think it’s anything we can’t do or aren’t doing. They were just hitting on all cylinders.”
The Spartans have two regular-season games remaining, beginning with their final road matchup at California Fresno State at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Save Mart Center.
