San Jose State Spartans vs Air Force Falcons on Saturday February 1st at Provident Credit Union Center (via SanJoseStateMBB/x)

By Madison Montez

SAN JOSE- Coming into today, San Jose State is coming off of a 71-68 loss against the San Diego State Aztecs. Previous to today’s matchup, San Jose State has won the last 5 games between these two teams.

After the first half, San Jose State went into the locker room up 37-25. Key components were making nearly all their three’s, only missing two, going 7-10. Team highs were Latrell Davis in points (12), and Robert Vaihola in rebounds (4), and assists (3). Both defense and offense put on a show with the Spartans blocking 6 shots and making 70% of their threes.

The only aspects that Air Force dominated in during the first half was free throws and 2nd chance points. Air Force made 75% of their FT’s compared to San Jose State’s 25% and had thirteen 2ndChPts compared to San Jose State’s zero. The 13 2ndChPts went hand in hand with Air Force being in the paint outscoring the Spartans 12-8.

San Jose ended with a strong second half, they went from 25% to 58% from the free throw line. “I think we got our most engaged and quickest guys defensively. It was good for us” said HC Tim Miles. Robert Vaihola put up 8 rebounds, a career-high. After being smashed in the paint, San Jose State came back and tied the Air Force 26-26 in the paint.

Latrell Davis only missed one shot in the whole game going 7-8. “I’m working with the coaches, working with management, just getting shots up before and after practice” said Latrell Davis.

The Spartans will be back in action on Tuesday February 4th traveling to take on the Fresno State Bulldogs. This will be the first matchup between these two teams this season. HC Tim Miles is winless against Fresno, adding three Fresno transfers this season. “I think we owe it to them to go out and give it our best and we owe it to our rivalry.”