PHOENIX – San Jose State men's basketball, presented by Provident Credit Union, dropped game one to Boise State on Thursday in the Spartans' first game in Phoenix since relocating from the Bay Area.
SJSU (1-5, 0-3 MW) hung tight for the first few minutes, but was ultimately unable to contain the Broncos (7-1, 3-0 MW) as they went on to win by a final of 106-54 inside the Ability 360 Sport and Fitness Center.
The Spartans got six early points from Ralph Agee to hang tight at 13-9 at the 12:31 mark in the first half, however Boise State's offense began to find success as they used a 16-2 run to jump out to a 23-9 advantage. Trailing by 19 with 6:42 remaining in the period, Trey Smith, making his third-career start, scored five unanswered points to cut the deficit to 14, but that was as close as the Spartans got as they were unable to contain the Bronco scoring attack. Boise State took a 25-point lead into the break at 54-29.
Agee came away with 10 points in the half to lead SJSU while reining Mountain West Player of the Week Derrick Alston, Jr. led the field with 13 points. The Broncos were a perfect 16-for-16 from the free throw line while the Spartans missed just three of their 14 attempts from the charity stripe.
Out of the locker rooms, Boise State continued to hit shots as they scored the first 13 points of the second half. The Spartans were unable to answer as they finished the period with seven made baskets and Boise State, who is receiving votes in the top-25 AP poll, went on to win.
Agee tied his season-high of 13 points to lead the Spartans while Richard Washington chipped in nine points. Trey Smith and Caleb Simmons tacked on seven points apiece. Alston was one six Broncos that finished with double figure scoring outputs, finishing with a game-best 23 points while Abu Kigab finished with a double-double of 12 points, 14 rebounds.
Boise State was successful on 48 percent of their field goal attempts (35-of-73) while SJSU knocked down 15-of-63 (24 percent). The Broncos were also efficient from beyond the arc at a 34 percent clip (11-of-32) and was a perfect 25-for-25 at the free throw line.
The Spartans and Broncos will meet again on Saturday inside Grand Canyon University Arena. The game will be broadcast live on FS1.
SPARTAN ATHLETICS FUND FAN CUTOUTS:
Spartan Nation, don't miss your chance to be represented in the stands at the Provident Credit Union Event Center this season. If interested in a cardboard cutout, follow this link to register!