Robert Vaihola touching the net during their game on Tuesday January 7th at Provident Credit Union Center against Utah State (Via SanJoseStateMBB)

By Madison Montez

SAN JOSE–Coming into today’s game, San Jose State was fighting against a losing streak losing their last two, most recently on the road against UNLV, a 79-73 loss at Provident Credit Union Center.

After the 1st half, the Spartans went into the locker room trailing the Aggies 45-36. In the first half, it was all Utah State with a 46.2% 1st FG going 12-26 while San Jose State went 13-34 with a 38.2%. “Ultimately I think our first half defense let us down, it was too easy for Utah State” said HC Tim Miles.

When asked about if there was a message given to the team between halves, Miles put it simply. “It’s not repeatable”, then after chuckling he responded, “I just think we had to commit to playing harder, just effort level, and intensity, and defensive edge. I just think we didn’t have that and I let them have it at halftime”

Coming out of the gates strong, Yap Jr started the second half with a steal, drew a charge, and shot a three. That really fueled the bench and set the tone for how the rest of the game was going to go after going into the locker room down. “That was a big momentum boost for us as a group so you know, we could have that type of energy in the second half every game” said Teammate Josh Uduje.

San Jose State was able to stay in the game because of a career-high night by Donovan Yap Jr. He registered 22 total points, four assists, one steal, and went 6-10 on three pointers, his best offensive game of the season. “Coach was really preaching for us to come out playing harder defensively and I just wanted to set the tone for my team, make sure I was doing what it took to try to come out and win the game.”

Their record now falls to 7-10 but although their record isn’t the best, it doesn’t define the type of team that they are. “I feel like we’re better than the record displays, we’ve had some up and downs throughout the season but I do feel like we should have won some of those games for sure” said Yap Jr.

The Spartans will be back in action on Saturday January 11th traveling to Colorado to take on the Air Force.