BIMINI, The Bahamas – San José State men's basketball closed out their trip to the Bahamas with another tough loss, this time at the hands of Central Michigan, 76-74, Sunday night at the Gateway Christian Academy.
The Spartans once again lost a double-digit second half lead. Isaiah Nichols buried a trey to give SJSU its largest lead at 13 with 9:36 remaining, however CMU went on a 19-5 run to tie the game at 69-69 with 2:15 remaining.
After losing the lead outright, Brae Ivey was fouled with just eight seconds remaining, but missed one of his free throw attempts which would have given SJSU the lead. CMU (4-1) then scored on a floater with four seconds left to take control. The Spartans' inbound pass was intercepted to seal the game.
SJSU started off hot, shooting 58.3 percent in the first half, but was 11-for-25 (44 percent) in the second half. The Spartans hit 10 3-pointers and shot 63.6 percent from the free throw line.
Michael Steadman and Craig LeCesne led the Spartans with 13 points apiece while Ivey chipped in 12. Noah Baumann finished 3-for-4 from 3-point range for nine more. Kevin McKay led the Chippewas with 24 points and 12 rebounds.
With the loss, the Spartans drop to 1-4 on the season with a four-game home stand awaiting back in San Jose. Up first is Santa Clara on Saturday, November 24.