SAN JOSE, Calif.-- San Jose State University overcame a double-digit first half deficit to take a lead, but was unable to do the same in the second half as Boise State made a season-high 15 three-point baskets in an 87-64 Mountain West men's basketball game.
The Spartans (3-12, 0-3 Mountain West) trailed 26-15 with 10:08 remaining in the opening half and took a 32-31 lead with 1:36 to go before halftime. Guard Brae Ivey, who scored all of his 11 points in the first half, scored on a layup after a steal and converted 5-of-6 free throws to key the San Jose State rally and the team's first lead in a game in conference action.
Boise State (8-8, 3-0 Mountain West) closed out the half with consecutive three-point baskets by Alex Hobbs, who shared game-high scoring honors with teammate Pat Dembley at 18 points, for a 37-34 halftime lead.
The Broncos made eight of their first 10 second half field goals and used a 13-0 rally over a 3:13 span to take control and a 58-38 lead. Boise State led by as many 28 points, 79-51, with 4:53 to go after Dembley's fourth three-point basket of the game. The Broncos shot 66.7 percent after intermission and 50.8 percent for the contest.
Overall, Boise State had five players in double-figure scoring for the first time this season. Guard Justinian Jessup finished with 17 and Zach Haney and Derrick Alston each had 11.
Center Oumar Barry was San Jose State's leading scorer with 16. Freshman Zach Chappell came off the bench with his best game at the major college level. Chappell scored a season-high 12 points, dished out a game-high seven assists and was credited with two steals His seven assists in almost 29 minutes of action also was a personal season high and matched the most assists by a Spartan this season.
San Jose State had its best first-half shooting in conference play converting 50 percent of its tries, but cooled off in the second half finishing at 44.9 percent – its best mark in the last four games.
The Spartans are back at The Event Center Wednesday, January 16 hosting Utah State in a 7:00 p.m. Mountain West game.
(1/12/2019) MBB vs. Boise State