SAN JOSE, Calif. - Joey Chammaa recorded a career-high 27 points, shooting 6-for-9 from the field and a perfect 12-for-12 from the free-throw line, and Mekhi Mason added 26 points, seven rebounds and three assists, connecting on five threes to lead the San José State men’s basketball team (1-0, 0-0 MW) in a 95-74 Win over UTSA (0-1, 0-0 AMER) Monday afternoon from the Provident Credit Union Event Center.
The Spartans used a dominant first-half performance to establish control, taking a 45-27 lead into the locker room before maintaining their advantage throughout the second half.
San José State established its presence early, overcoming an initial UTSA lead to take control midway through the first half. After the Roadrunners held a 3-0 advantage, the Spartans responded with a strong offensive stretch, ending the half on a 17-2 run to take a 45-27 lead into halftime.
The Spartans continued to apply pressure after the break. A three-pointer from Chammaa and a fast-break three from Oliver Kullamäe helped San José State extend its advantage to 67-40 with 12:13 remaining. The lead reached 27 points, the largest of the afternoon. The Roadrunners would attempt to comeback, cutting the SJSU lead down to 14, but were unable to get any closer as the Spartans took the game 95-74.
Robert Vaihola provided a strong presence inside, finishing with 13 points and a game-high 11 rebounds for a double-double. KJ Martin Jr. contributed eight points and five rebounds, while Mookie Cook added six points and five rebounds.
San José State finished the afternoon shooting 58.9 percent (33-of-56) from the field and 38.5 percent (10-of-26) from three-point range. The Spartans also held a 43-22 advantage on the glass and outscored UTSA 46-28 in the paint. The Spartans shared the basketball throughout the contest, recording 24 assists on 33 made field goals.
- The Spartans are now over .500 for the first time since Dec. 21, 2024
- This also marks the Spartans’ first season opening win since the 2023-24 season
- The 95 points by the Spartans was the most they have scored in a season opener since recording 97 points against Antelope Valley on Nov. 10, 2017
- The Spartans’ 24 assists was the most recorded against a DI opponent since Dec. 29, 2011 when they had 24 assists against Coppin State
- This was the first time the Spartans had two players score 25 or more since Josh Uduje and Latrell Davis did it against Fresno State on Feb. 4, 2025
- Chammaa’s 27 points was the most recorded for the Spartans in a season opener since Richard Washington had 38 points against Fresno Pacific on Dec. 9, 2020
- This was Chammaa’s fourth career game scoring 20 or more
- Chammaa also contributed six assists and four rebounds while knocking down three three-pointers.
- This was Mason’s 15th career game scoring 20 or more
- Vaihola’s double-double was the ninth of his career
- Rokiem Green and Kullamäe made their collegiate debuts
- Martin Jr.’s five assists tied his career-high
- JaVaughn Hannah set a new career-high with six assists
UP NEXT: The Spartans will face UC Irvine on Saturday, Nov. 7 at 7 p.m. from the Bren Events Center. The game can be watched on ESPN+.
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