Forward Michael Steadman was San José State’s only double-figure scorer with 18 points as the Spartans lost the Mountain West Conference opener, 73-53, to arch-rival Fresno State on Wednesday night in front of an announced crowd of 1,886.
Oumar Barry, playing in his first game back after missing six games, hit a three-pointer at the top of the key with 6:34 remaining in the First Half to cut the Fresno State lead to 29-25, which ultimately was the closest it would be for the remainder of the game.
Fresno State finished the half on an 18-0 run to take a 47-25 lead at intermission. The Bulldogs shot 60.7 percent and 8-of-14 from three-point range in the first half.
SJSU got to within 60-47 with 8:19 left in the game after a Steadman basket, but a Nate Grimes three-point play for Fresno State put the momentum back on the Bulldogs’ side.
San José State shot just 35.3 percent from the field in their third loss in a row. It’s also the second game in a row where the Spartans shot worse than 40 percent.
San José State drops to 3-10 overall and 0-1 in MWC play. The Spartans return to action next Wednesday, January 9, in Reno at the University of Nevada for a 7:00 pm (PT) tip-off.
Nick Obot 