By Sara Biela — Content Editor
Michael Steadman recorded his second double-double of the season as San Jose State men’s basketball (1-5) dropped its fourth consecutive game against Santa Clara University, 71-63.
The junior forward scored a career-high 21 points, 15 being in the first half, with 11 rebounds in 36 minutes of action against the Broncos (1-4).
“I thought the flow of the game was going for me early in the first half,” Steadman said. “I could’ve been better in the second half with staying consistent, but overall, I think I did a pretty good job. We didn’t come away with the win, so it wasn’t the best job.”
The Spartans controlled the pace early on as senior center Oumar Barry and sophomore guard Noah Baumann drained back-to-back 3-pointers.
Shortly after, SJSU made it 11-2 in the first four minutes for its biggest lead of the night.
However, SCU fired back as it scored 18 points in the paint and hit six 3-pointers to take the 38-35 lead at halftime. Tahj Eaddy exploded for 14 points and was perfect (3-3) from beyond the arc.
“If we start hot, we have to stay hot,” Baumann said. “Teams will adjust and come back with another run of their own. We didn’t contest as well as we should’ve.”
At the start of the second half, the Spartans were able to keep the game close thanks to 5 quick points from junior guard Craig LeCesne.
Baumann’s jump shot in the 16th minute closed the gap to 45-44. That would prove to be the smallest point-differential as the Broncos started hitting shots left and right and never looked back.
Eaddy stayed consistent with his 3-point shooting as he drained three more on six attempts. He finished with 23 points and 6 assists as the Broncos clinched their first win of the season.
The Spartans shot 38 percent from the field, while the Broncos shot 46 percent.
The team gave up 36 points inside the paint, but finished the game with 45 total rebounds and 8-20 from beyond the arc.
“We didn’t guard well enough,” said head coach Jean Prioleau. “In terms of us shooting, we shot 40 percent from 3, so that’s a really good number. We just couldn’t finish around the basket when we needed to.”
LeCesne recorded 13 points, while Baumann tallied 11. Junior guard Brae Ivey had a team-high 6 assists.
The Spartans continue their four-game home stand with Indiana State on Wednesday.
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