By Austin Turner — Staff Writer
In a game full of momentum shifts and scoring streaks, San Jose State men’s basketball got cold at the wrong time.
The Spartans (1-1) fell 66-59 to Southern Utah on Saturday night after the Thunderbirds (2-0) ended the game on a 22-8 run. The loss is the first for SJSU on the young season.
Rebounding was a major issue for the Spartans. The long, lanky Thunderbirds took advantage of their size and outrebounded SJSU 45-34, including 16 offensive boards.
6-foot-10 forward Michael Steadman was all over the rim for the Spartans and led the game with 14 rebounds.
However, the rest of the team couldn’t match him. No other Spartan had more than three.
In the first half, shooting was an issue for SJSU. The team shot only 29 percent in the first frame, but thanks to aggressive driving from players like Steadman and the two starting guards, Brae Ivey and Seneca Knight, the Spartans stayed in the game with free-throw shooting.
They drew 15 fouls in the first half and entered the bonus in only ten minutes. 15 of their 31 first half points were from the stripe, including an unusual five-point play.
Twelve minutes into the game, during a three point attempt from Knight, Steadman was fouled and was granted two free throws. Knight’s shot was good, and Steadman nailed both shots, granting a game-tying five points to the Spartans.
The Spartans’ second half scoring production belonged to forward Craig LeCesne. He caught fire, hitting 7/15 shots from the field including a crucial three. He finished with a team-leading 15 points.
Ivey, the playmaking guard, had five assists to go along with his 9 points and 2 rebounds. However, he had 6 turnovers. The Spartans in total turned the ball over 19 times, leading to 22 Thunderbirds points.
Southern Utah, who was down 44-51 in the second half, went on a ridiculous 22-8 run where it seemed as though the team couldn’t miss a shot. Guard/forward Cameron Oluyitan was virtually unguardable with 15 points on 7/16 shooting.
SJSU will be able to take a breather in the Bahamas when the team goes on to play in the Junkanoo Jam later in the week. Its first game will be on Thursday when it takes on Weber State at 5:30 p.m.
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