San Jose Spartans player preparing before the match against Lincoln University on Monday December 9th at Provident Union Center (SanJoseStateMBB/x)

By Madison Montez

SAN JOSE-The San Jose State Spartans hosted the Lincoln University Oaks for a Monday night matchup. San Jose State is coming off of a 83-77 loss against the New Mexico Lobos on December 4th. Lincoln University is coming off a 117-72 loss against UC Merced. Both teams will be looking to get back in the win column.

Head Coach Tim Miles went with the same starting five except making a minor change in replacing Will McClendon and inputting Latrell Davis at point-guard. Will McClendon was out tonight with illness making him unavailable.

After the first half, the Spartans went into the locker room up 57 to 47. San Jose’s lead point scorer was Josh Uduje. Lincoln University’s was Joshua Russ with 18 points. Lincoln made 12 out of 27 3 point shots with a blistering 44% which is what kept them in the game. “We knew that was their MO. I didn’t feel good about the first half but felt good about the second half.” said Head Coach Tim Miles.

In the 2nd half, San Jose’s defense stepped up allowing Lincoln to attempt 15 3 pointers but only making 4, going down to 26%. The Spartans picked up their 3-point game making 7 of 18 for 33% after going 1-12 in the first half. San Jose got a boost from Latrell Davis, accounting for 8 assists. “He requires so much attention because of his ability to go downhill, so that’s a next step for his game to create problems” said teammate Josh Uduje.

San Jose got a good game out of their monster center Robert Vaihola. Vaihola registered 17 points, 18 rebounds, 4 blocks, and went 7-9 in shooting only missing the basket twice. 14 out of the 18 rebounds were defensive. “Just chillin around the rim, I just happened to be there”. said the Center.

“Credit Lincoln and Coach Middlebrooks, they did a good job, playing loose, playing fast, and shooting the ball extremely well.” said Head Coach Tim Miles after the 117-80 win. The Spartans will be back in action on Saturday against Cal Poly at 7pm. When asked about preparation for that game, Coach Miles said “One of the fastest teams in the country. Credit Cal Poly, they’ve done a great job.”