PHOENIX – San Jose State men's basketball (presented by Provident Credit Union) saw four scorers reach double figures, but was unable to keep up with hot-shooting Colorado State as the Spartans dropped game two to the Rams by a final of 88-61 Saturday evening at Ability 360 Sport and Fitness Center.
Just two days after Richard Washington scored the vast majority of SJSU's points, the Spartans saw a more balanced offensive attack on Saturday. San Jose State hit 41 percent in the second half and finished the game 24-of-63 (38.1). Washington tied with freshman Sebastian Mendoza for the team lead with 15 points. It was career night for Mendoza as he knocked down 3-of-7 attempts from 3-point range to set a new career high in points. Ralph Agee (12 points) and Jalen Dalcourt (10) also reached double figures.
After Colorado State quickly jumped out to an 8-point lead to start the night, the Spartans began to play chip away and got the lead down to as little as two points thanks to a Mendoza triple with just under 11:00 on the clock. However, CSU (10-2, 7-1 MW) continued to make shots and extended the lead to as much as 16 and went into the locker room with a 14-point lead at 42-28.
The Spartans (2-10, 0-8 MW) responded well in the second period, knocking down their first five attempts to chip the lead back down to 11, but a quick five-point spree by the Rams sparked a big finish to the half as they hit 18-of-35 FG attempts to pull away for the win.
Isaiah Stevens and Adam Thistlewood tied for the game lead with 16 points each while Kendle Moore (15) and James Moors (14) rounded out the Colorado State scoring attack. The Rams won the rebounding battle 47-30 while the Spartans fared better at taking control of the ball with just eight turnovers to CSU's 10.
The Spartans will return to action on Thursday, Jan. 21st in the first of two games against New Mexico. Due to COVID-19 restrictions in Albuquerque, the games will be played in St. George, Utah, on the campus of Dixie State.
SPARTAN ATHLETICS FUND FAN CUTOUTS:
Spartan Nation, don't miss your chance to be represented in the stands in Phoenix this season. If interested in a cardboard cutout, follow this link to register!
