San Jose State Spartans vs UNLV Rebels on Tuesday February 25th at Provident Credit Union Event Center (via sanjosestatembb/instagram)

By Madison Montez

SAN JOSE–Coming into today’s game, the last time the Spartans faced the UNLV Rebels was in Nevada on January 4th where they fell 79 to 73. UNLV is riding a 3 game win streak while San Jose is riding a one game win streak, coming off of an 82-73 win over Wyoming. Both teams will be looking to extend their streaks.

Going into the half down 53-31, there were many aspects that the Spartans could improve on to have a better and a more successful second half. Free throws was a factor in the score difference, UNLV going 5-7 and San Jose State going 0-2. The Rebels excelled in points in the paint, outscoring the Spartans 20-18. Both teams had a problem with ball control, each team with 8 turnovers. SJSU took advantage scoring 12 points in comparison of UNLV’s 4 points.

During the first half, NgaNga led the team in points (7) coming from one three and two FG’s. For the Rebels, Jaden Henley led the way with 12 points coming from one three and four FG’s. Henley also led the team in assists being 3.

The injury bug struck again with Donovan Yap.Jr leaving the first half at 4:37 and not returning.

The second half was a battle. Being down by two, the Spartans had to come out with energy and they did. They went 5-15 from the three point line and had a 35% FG percentage. The Rebels figured out their system going 3-7 from the three point line having a 48% FG percentage.

Josh Uduje led the team in points with 23 points in the second half alone. NgaNga led with assists (3), and also tied with Uduje for rebounds (4). For the Rebels, Jeremiah Cherry led UNLV in the second half with 10 points. Jaden Haley led the team in assists (2) and Jalen Hill led in rebounds (5).

With the win, UNLV has now extended their win streak to 4. “We have a buy weekend and the first thing I told them is to rehab. Get your bodies right.” Said HC Tim Miles

The Spartans will be back in action on March 4th traveling to Colorado State to take on the Rams. Previous to this, these two teams faced off on New Years Eve, falling 72-50 at home.