By Alex Stoev (@alexstoevsjsu) – Spear Reporter | Freshman guard Melvin Bell Jr. dunking on Boise State junior forward Drew Fielder (Photo by Alex Stoev – Spear Photographer)
Momentum swings were everywhere in San Jose State’s (9-23, 3-17 MW) 84-74 victory over Boise State (20-12, 12-8 MW) in its first game of the Mountain West Tournament.
After ending an injury-riddled regular season, SJSU had to quickly shift into tournament play, and it suddenly blossomed into the team’s most complete performance in months..
The Spartans became just the second No. 11 seed to win a game in the Mountain West tournament. Confidence and belief was enough to pull off the win.
“It feels great, like coach Miles said winning in the postseason feels great,” SJSU junior guard Colby Garland said. “We know how much work we put in this summer and in the fall. We never doubted ourselves even with how the season went.”
Sophomore guard Jermaine Washington talked about what it took to pull off the upset.
“We were still pushing through intensity the whole time,” Washington said. “We worked hard this whole week and we were prepared.”
With seconds left in the first half, Garland hit a straight-on 3-pointer off a steal from Washington, giving SJSU a 41-39 lead at halftime.
“It was good, I think Jermaine made a great play,” Garland said. “This just got us going, I’m glad I hit the shot. Jermaine trusted me to shoot the ball and I just appreciate him for that.”
Clutch defense and capitalizing offensively would take away any momentum the Broncos tried to create.
Washington’s play helped build the momentum throughout the game, starting with defense and allowing the shots to follow after.
“I think it was really big, it started with my defense, trying to pressure the ball and get energy for the team,” Washington said. “I feel like when I’m good on defense we get electrocuted and we spark the offense.”
SJSU head coach Tim Miles gave a message in the locker room during halftime to boost the momentum for the team.
“There was really no talk about the mechanics of what we’re trying to do. And the guys’ energy was good all day, their intensity was good all day from their shootaround to the game, Miles said. “And I think it’s important that these guys come with that mental focus.”
SJSU won’t have a lot of rest, as the team will gear up to play the University of New Mexico at 8:30 p.m. on Thursday at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.
