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.