Photo credit: sjsuspartans.com
By: Ana Kieu
Spartans host Lobos Saturday afternoon
The Spartans return to the Event Center Saturday for a 3:00 pm tipoff against the Lobos. Tickets are available now at the Spartan Ticket Office, which can be reached at 408-924-7589. The game will be televised on AT&T SportsNet and can also be heard on KLIV 1590 AM with Justin Allegri’s play-by-play call.
Game #22
SJSU (3-18, 0-10 MW) vs. New Mexico (11-12, 6-4 MW)
Saturday, February 3, 2018, 3:00 pm PT
The Event Center (5,000)
San Jose, Calif.
TV: AT&T SportsNet
Radio: KLIV 1590 AM & KSJS 90.5 FM
Series: New Mexico leads, 12-1
Last Meeting: UNM 80 SJSU 47 – Jan. 5, 2018 – Dreamstyle Arena/The Pit
First game between Spartans and Lobos
The first meeting with the Lobos this season on Jan. 5 is one that the Spartans would like to forget. They fell behind early and could never climb back, suffering an 80-47 loss in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Although that was less than a month ago, the Spartans are now a different team–and statistically better–than they were that night.
One thing remains the same though–SJSU is still searching for its first conference win.
The Lobos have gone 4-2 since their last meeting with the Spartans, but arrive in San Jose after an 89-80 loss to Utah State Wednesday night.
SJSU’s offense has kicked it up a notch over the last three games. The Spartans are shooting 49.7% from the field and averaging 74.7 points per game during that stretch compared to overall numbers of 43.7% and 65.9 points per game.
Three players are averaging double-figure scoring: Ryan Welage (26.7 points per game), Keith Fisher III (10+ points in five of the last six games and is averaging 13.7 points over the last three contests) and Jaycee Hillsman (10.7 points over the last 3 games).
The Spartans have picked it up in 3-point shooting too, hitting 40.9% as a team in the last three contests, compared to the season percentage of 36.4.
SJSU was knocked down a handful of times by large UNLV runs on Wednesday night, but got up every time until the Runnin’ Rebels pulled off a 76-67 win at the Thomas & Mack Center. SJSU surrendered a 9-0 run to UNLV and fell behind early (16-9).
However, the Spartans answered right back with an 11-0 run of their own to regain the lead. UNLV had a lead swell to as large as 12 points before SJSU reeled it back in to three points midway through the second half. But in the end, Brandon McCoy’s 22 points and 17 rebounds helped UNLV to a victory.
Four Spartans finished in double-figure scoring. Ryan Welage led all scorers for the 16th time this season with 21 points. Oumar Barry also scored a career-high 12 points.
Welage becomes second-leading 3-point shooter at SJSU
Welage rises after decrease of shooting
Over a four-game stretch, Ryan Welage hit just 33.3% of his shots. He was also just 4-of-14 from downtown during that stretch; but his 22-point performance on 9-of-17 shooting proved to be the slump-buster at Boise State on Jan. 24.
Since then, Welage has been shooting a team-high 53.8% (28-52) from the field and 53.3% (8-15) from the 3-point range. He poured in a career-high 37 points against Wyoming and had 21 points at UNLV on Wednesday night. It was his 11th game of 20+ points and the 16th time where he led the Spartans in scoring.
Fisher III shows consistency for the Spartans
According to head coach Jean Prioleau, inconsistency is something the Spartans have struggled with all year. But as we hit the midway point of Mountain West play. the Spartans know they can count on Keith Fisher III’s production. He has finished in double-figure scoring in five of the last six games. He’s also the Spartans’ leading rebounder during that stretch and overall this season.
Fisher III is averaging 13.7 points and 6.7 rebounds over the last three games. He has played 34.4 minutes per contest. He’s the only Spartan to start all 21 games this year and even if his stat production plunges, his leadership and hustle never misses a beat.
Sports Radio Service 