On Tuesday night, San Jose State faced a tough challenge against Boise State, ultimately succumbing to a decisive 89-58 defeat at the Provident Credit Union Event Center. For the first 20 minutes, the Spartans showed promise, displaying resilience and effective perimeter shooting that kept them competitive.
In the initial half, San Jose State traded baskets with Boise State, connecting on six three-pointers and shooting 50 percent from beyond the arc. They trailed by just three points at halftime, 36-33, thanks to contributions from Jermaine Washington and Pasha Goodarzi, who kept the offense flowing. Despite missing key player Yaphet Moundi due to injury, the Spartans exhibited commendable effort during the early stages of the game.
However, the second half told a different story. Boise State, larger and deeper, swiftly took control, turning their narrow halftime lead into a commanding 31-point advantage. The Broncos outscored San Jose State 53-25 in the second half, capitalizing on their physicality and superior execution. The Spartans struggled to defend against Boise”s relentless attacks, particularly in the paint, where they were outscored 56-24.
Head coach Tim Miles did not shy away from expressing his disappointment. “Once we got down 14, 15 points, we quit competing,” he stated. “They got us in the paint, and that”s not only their big guys. Their guards driving on us. We got manhandled.” His remarks highlighted the Spartans” struggle to maintain intensity as the game progressed.
Sadraque Nganga led the Spartans with 15 points, supported by Washington and Colby Garland, who added 13 and 10 points, respectively. In contrast, Boise State”s balanced attack was overwhelming, featuring Drew Fielder with 16 points and Andrew Meadow contributing 15 points. Bhan Buom and Peason Carmichael each scored 11, and Aginaldo Neto chipped in 9 points along with five assists, showcasing the depth of the Broncos” roster.
The game shifted significantly when Meadow executed back-to-back dunks, signaling the turning point from a competitive matchup to a clear Boise State dominance. For San Jose State, the initial effort was commendable, but they failed to sustain it against a formidable opponent. This defeat underscored the challenges the Spartans face in maintaining consistency throughout the game.
The final score was not just a reflection of the game”s outcome but a lesson in resilience and execution. The Spartans” current struggles serve as a reminder of the gap in physicality and depth when facing established programs like Boise State.
