By Haddy Barghouti (HB_SportsBeat) – Senior Staff Writer | Junior guard Colby Garland dribbles in space as Fresno State freshman forward DeShawn Gory defends during SJSU’s 82-68 loss. (Photo by Alex Stoev — The Spear)
San Jose State (8-22, 3-16 MW) struggled from beyond the arc and at the free-throw line in an 82-68 loss to Fresno State (13-17, 7-12 MW) on Tuesday night at the Save Mart Center in Fresno, Calif.
The Spartans shot just 5-of-22 from 3-point range, while the Bulldogs connected on 11 of 24 from deep. SJSU also went 9-of-19from the free-throw line, an issue that has persisted throughout the season as it entered the game shooting 74.5% from the stripe.
Fresno State built a 45-34 halftime lead behind its hot shooting from long distance. The Bulldogs went 8-of-14from beyond the arc in the first half, while the Spartans were just 3-of-12.
SJSU opened the second half with renewed energy. A lob from sophomore guard Jermaine Washington to redshirt sophomore forward Adrian Myers cut the deficit to seven just three minutes into the half.
“I thought we did a better job in the second half with our defensive intensity,” SJSU head coach Tim Miles said. “We showed some fight, just couldn’t quite get on track offensively.”
Washington later provided one final push, converting an and-one with just over five minutes remaining to trim the deficit back to seven.
But Fresno State capitalized at the free-throw line down the stretch, while the Spartans were unable to convert their opportunities.
“I just think it was a poor shooting night by us,” Miles said. “I was really disappointed. I thought we were allowing them to get whatever they wanted, and we didn’t show a competitive fire.”
Myers led SJSU with 17 points and 16 rebounds, recording a double-double. However, his efforts were matched by Fresno State freshman center Wilson Jacques, who finished with 16 points and 19 rebounds.
Despite the loss, the Spartans continued to take care of the basketball, committing just five turnovers compared to six for the Bulldogs. SJSU also held a 42-22 advantage in points in the paint.
Junior guard Colby Garland added 26 points on 10-of-18 shooting, marking his ninth consecutive game with at least 20 points.
“I thought we got good performances,” Miles said. “Garland was tough and Adrian Myers had a ton of rebounds. We just need more. We need more guys to pick us up because that’s where we’re at right now.”
Myers struggled from long distance, going 0 for 6 from 3-point range, reflective of the team’s overall shooting woes. It marked another tough night from deep for the Spartans, similar to their Feb. 28 loss to Colorado State when they shot 7 of 21 from beyond the arc.
SJSU was also short-handed. The Spartans entered the game without four players who have started when healthy and operated with a seven-man rotation. Freshman forward Japhet Moupadele left late in the first half and did not return.
The loss drops the Spartans to just one true road victory this season, an 86-80 win at Air Force on Feb. 24.
SJSU closes the regular season at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 7 at home on Senior Night against Wyoming before heading into the Mountain West tournament.
