Spartans End Losing Skid With Historic Win Over New MexicoSpartans End Losing Skid With Historic Win Over New Mexico
Terrell Lloyd

Spartans End Losing Skid With Historic Win Over New Mexico

SAN JOSE, Calif. - Noah Baumann made a career-high and school record eight three-point baskets en route to a game-high 26 points as San Jose State University ended a 17-game losing streak in an 89-82 Mountain West men's basketball game.
 
            Forward Michael Steadman's 21 points and 11 rebounds and 17 points and season-high nine assists from guard Zach Chappell supported Baumann's 8-of-12 shooting from 3-point range and 8-of-13 for the game as the Spartans (4-23, 1-14 Mountain West) won their first conference game since a 64-62 win over Utah State at home on February 28, 2018.
 
            San Jose State picked up its first win at home against New Mexico (11-16, 5-10 Mountain West) in five tries dating back to the 1999 and second win in the 16-game series between the two teams that began in 1961.
 
            The Spartans had their best shooting first half of the season converting 61.9 percent of their tries and held a 47-46 halftime lead and stayed ahead the rest of the game. San Jose State led by as 13 points, 65-52, with 14:11 to go on a Baumann three-pointer.


 
            New Mexico was led in scoring by Keith McGee who finished with 25 points. Post players Corey Manigault and Carlton Bragg each scored 17 for the Lobos.
 
            Holding a 76-65 lead with 7:42 to go on Baumann's last three-pointer of the game, San Jose State survived a 6:20 scoring drought. New Mexico only managed two free throws by Bragg and a Manigault basket in the interim.


 
            A Brae Ivey driving lay-in gave the Spartans a 78-69 lead with 1:22 to go. San Jose State closed out the game making 9-of-10 free throws in the final 1:10 for the win.
 
            Free throw shooting proved to be one of the differences in the game. The Spartans were 16-of-22 while the Lobos converted just 8-of-19.