By Austin Turner — Staff Writer
San Jose State men’s basketball will be looking to put Saturday’s disappointing loss to Santa Clara behind it as it hosts Indiana State on Wednesday night.
ISU is a storied basketball program, which has gotten off to a 3-1 start, including three consecutive wins. SJSU will try to snap a five game losing streak.
During their first game back from The Bahamas, they had perhaps their worst performance of the season yet. Shooting just 38 percent, the Spartans struggled to keep up with the Broncos, who dominated the paint.
Defense will be a priority for the Spartans against the Sycamores, a team that is shooting 48 percent from three.
It’s a strange statistic, as the team struggles shooting from the field and from the free-throw line. They make only 42 percent and 69 percent of those shots, respectively.
Forcing the Sycamores to go inside of the arc and take mid-range jumpers will be the key to a Spartan victory.
ISU has quite the scoring duo in their backcourt. Guards Jordan Barnes and Tyreke Key are averaging 20.3 and 19.3 points per game each.
They are both score-from-anywhere players, with sharpshooting 3-point ability. Barnes shoots 54 percent from beyond-the-arc, and Key is at an insane 63 percent.
This will be a huge challenge for SJSU. Both of these high-powered offensive guards will be on the Spartans minds.
Luckily for them, they have a budding-star on the floor as well.
Forward Michael Steadman is emerging as the No. 1 scoring option for SJSU. He can drive to the bucket with ease, and is masterful at drawing fouls.
His impact has been felt on the defensive side as well. He’s leading the team in rebounds and blocks. Steadman is proving to be one of the most important players for the Spartans.
The game should prove to be a shoot-out between two-teams with big offenses.
Tip off is at 7 p.m. in the Event Center.
Follow Austin on Twitter @AustinTurnt
