By Lindsey Boyd (@lindsboyd3 ):
Now that football season is over and senior Brandon Mitchell is back on the court, San Jose State (2-8) will have extra help off the glass and on the scoreboard. The Spartans will take on local rival Santa Clara (3-8) Thursday at the Leavey Center for their non-conference finale.
Mitchell lead the team with 17 points off the bench on a perfect 6/6 shooting in his surprising return to the squad Sunday against the University of South Dakota. The 6-foot-6 forward will help share the offensive load with Welage, but SJSU still needs to tighten up its defense, take care of the ball, and facilitate.
Inconsistency, as stated by head coach Jean Prioleau, has been a thorn in his team’s side so far this season. But, the Spartans have a chance to come out on top against the Broncos. Last time the neighbour universities faced each other was last December and SJSU won 55-40.
The Spartans battled back and forth with the Broncos, but was able to maintain a lead for more than half of the game. If they Spartans shut down Santa Clara early and defend hardest on its guards, it should be a take down again.
Santa Clara will most likely set up shots from beyond the arc. The Broncos attempt nearly 24 threes per game and sink 37 percent of them.
The Spartans fell victim to the three ball in the second half of their game against South Dakota Sunday, as the Coyotes let it rain from downtown overwhelmingly. The key for SJSU will be guarding that line aggressively and not allowing the Broncos to experience a similar type of run, in any half.
The Spartans, losers of five straight, won’t be the only team trying to get back in the win column as Santa Clara has lost three straight as well.
Tip off is set for 7 p.m. tonight.