The San Jose State Spartans guard Alvaro Cardenas takes the ball up the floor as the Spartans defeated the New Orleans Privateers at Provident Credit Union Event Center in San Jose on Sat Dec 9, 2023 (photo by San Jose State Spartans Athletic Dept)

Saturday, December 9th, 2023

By Troy Ewers

San Jose, CA – The San Jose State Spartans (4-5) host the New Orleans Privateers (6-5) this Saturday afternoon in the Provident Credit Union Event Center. The Spartans have had tremendous success on their home floor early this season, playing to an undefeated record 3-0 in San Jose.

SJSU came off a difficult road trip in which they went 0-3 losses to Cal Poly, Montana, and North Dakota State. Two of the three games on that road trip went to overtime. 

A very competitive back and forth in the first half between both squads. Balanced on defense and scoring, both teams were playing like it was two heavyweight boxers. Jordan Johnson led New Orleans all the way through the half, but SJSU had a more even distribution of the ball.

New Orleans gained some distance on the scoreboard, until MJ Amey Jr. took over and closed the gap with three straight 3-pointers and ended up with 18 points in the first half. New Orleans was up four, 44-40 at halftime. Neither team had a good game from the free throw line, but from the field it was a battle. 

The second half was a way more physical half, but no lack of scoring. Johnson and Jah Short were leading New Orleans while Amey Jr. was the guy for the Spartans (29 points for the game).

DJ Seixas was the difference maker for the Spartans leading the team to gain their first lead since early in the first half. Alvaro Cardenas had a double double that took the Spartans to a late game lead and at the end Spartans won 87-82. 

Next game for the Spartans will be back at home against Montana, December 17th. Spartans continue their undefeated home record, 4-0.